Fastrack switch wiring

@Billf posted:

I just built a multi train layout but can't get switches to work ptopetly. When train crosses over switch going from one power source to next power source train stops and reverses. Not the train new e-unit. MY TRANSFORMER is a ZW.

Ok is it on one switch or all? Also only one engine? Type of engine?

Not an expert, but it may be that the engine is sensing a current change and reversing when it goes from one power source to the other.

1. Are the transformers phased ?

2. Are both transformers set to the exact same voltage ?

3. Are you using track power to power the switches or an auxillary source ?

4. Where exactly is the power source change - just before, after or right at the switch ?

5. Can you move the power drop slightly so that the track immediately before, at and immediately after the switch are all on the same power source and does not change to the other power source until the next track piece ?   

When you say "power source" do you mean instead, a "power drop" from the same ZW ?

I was having challenges with Fastrack switches also.  It was affecting engine performance around the entire layout and engines would stall when near or going over the switches.   In some modes when power is cut to the engine, won’t they cycle through forward, reverse, forward, reverse? It almost sounds like the engine is losing power and it’s starting up again.

I found out that Fastrack in general can be sensitive to how flat and level the table is. If the switches are powered from the track, as the trains go over them and the connections with surrounding track bows and moves, it temporarily interrupts power.

My thought is to bend the center rail pins in slightly to ensure there is good contact. Adding additional power feeders around the layout helped me immensely. And then screwing the track down to further stabilize it.   If the track is shifting and causing erratic breaks in power, restoring stability might help.

Thank you for your suggestions the transformers are not necessarily the same voltage. I am using aux power. The power is right before and right after I will try to move power change down one track length. Any other suggestions appreciated.

If the power change is right before and right after, what is powering the track on the switch? Can you give us a diagram?

@John H posted:

If the power change is right before and right after, what is powering the track on the switch? Can you give us a diagram?

I'm guessing he's powering the switches with an auxillary power source and the power drops for track power from two different transformers or power sources are right before and right after the switch, but I agree, a diagram would help.

I will send diagram but I am using Aux power in.

@Billf posted:

I will send diagram but I am using Aux power in.

Ok let’s all step back. One fast track switches are notorious for bad connections and dead spots. This can be checked with an voltage meter. The power is on clip on to the outside rail, check voltage before and after switch. The numbers should be the same, than check the switch itself, many times there is a dead section or low voltage. This can be intermittent, pushing on the track can set it off. If you find this issue the fix is as follows.

remove switch from layout. Turn over switch and remove all the Philips screws. The tin base will now come off, now connect the meter now set to Ohms clip on to the center rail and touch all the shorting plates that connect the power rails. Also check the bend over tabs from the rail itself. When you find the dead spot, solder the connection and the issue will be corrected.

Thank you I will try

Auxiliary power only powers the switch motors and lights, not the rails. That is why I was wondering where the track power breaks are.

Not exactly sure how you have it all wired up but here is something to consider. Make sure the grounds of all involved transformers are connected. This would include different transformers to the two loops and a third powering the switch motors.

Ed Kaz

Thank you switches now working problem transformer phasing have old plug on Zw someone must have turned it around thank you all. Also did a little soldering in switch.