Help with Fastrack O-36 Remote Switches

@Kevin Davis posted:

I'm working with a simple oval layout. Appox. 25 lineal foot circle of Fastrack with 2 Fastrack O-36 remote switches that each have a small turnout for parking rolling stock.

I'm using an MTH Z4000 transformer which powers the track with the left (variable voltage) control side and I'm powering the 2 switches off of the constant 14v output off of the transformer.

I have wired the switches per Lionel recommendations. I removed the small jumper from the 'aux in' and 'track jumper' on the bottom of each switch and ran a hot wire from the 14v output on the transformer to the 'aux in' on the switches.

The switches work fine but the engine will only run in forward. Will not go into neutral or reverse.

If I disconnect the switches from the 14v output, the engine will again go into neutral and reverse. As soon as I reconnect the switches to the 14v output, the engine no longer goes into neutral or reverse.

Any help would be appreciated.

Since no one has responded yet,

1. Did you also run the common of the 14v output to the Aux Grnd terminal of each switch ?

2. How did you split the 14v output into two pairs of wires for the 2 switches ?

3. Double check to make sure everything is wired correctly ? Try connecting the 14v output to only one switch at a time and see if the same thing happens.

3. What happens if you use the 10v output instead of the 14v ?

4. What happens if you use the right handle set to 12-14v instead of the 14v output ?

Known issue in many fastrack switches- if you attempt aux power- ENSURE the terminals internal wiring of the switch matches the labeled function!!!!!

What may be happening-you are feeding your track constantly 14V from accessory power AND the switch also would not have power because you connected to a terminal labeled aux, but it's actually wired to the 3rd rail of the switch.

Again, BEFORE using any fastrack switch on aux power- it's beyond 2 stages of highly recommended to validate the internal wiring of that switch. https://ogrforum.com/...c/159660139077455161

and

https://ogrforum.com/...9#152899748560979289

The reason you did not burn anything up is because it's all coming from one transformer thus in-phase and the variable channels won't fail if they are sent voltage from another source (in-phase).

Richie C.

Thank you

1. Did not run a common. Lionel advised it was not necessary with my transformer.

2. I ran a 14g bus wire and connected each switch to said bus wire.

3. Tried the 10v output and switched only worked intermittently.  Seemed to lack enough voltage.

4. Tried the right handle with same result.

Vernon Barry

Thank you

I will investigate the switch wiring.

@Richie C. posted:

1. Did you also run the common of the 14v output to the Aux Grnd terminal of each switch ?

Not required- especially with a Z4000 as a power source since all the black terminals for all outputs are common

In fact, I would recommend against this. I know that at first may seem counterintuitive, the problem is, between the super thin wiring inside the switch from the terminals for all 3 power connections (GND, AUX, Track Jumper) if they are wired incorrectly internally or externally, will likely burn up inside the switch. Again, unfortunate, but far too many switches have internal wiring order compared to label issues, and beyond that, the thin wiring could and would burn up in a derailment or other short.

Bottom line- again, in this scenario with a Z4000, I would recommend not wiring to GND at the switch. At best a redundant connection not required and at worst, lets the smoke out in failure.

Also, what engine? need far more details. PS1, PS2, PS3? Engine model and product number (30-xxxxx-x) ideally.

Also assumes you are running conventional and dropping power momentarily to "command" a direction change function.

To this point, the assumed difference is you have bleed voltage somehow present on the track from the 14V aux power, and because you cannot fully drop power using the the variable handle, you never get the direction change function.

Again, the problem could be one or both switches, since they are both getting aux power and you removed the jumpers. Either one or both could feed the track that 14V source.

Have tried 3 engines (Williams, 2 MTH with PS1).

Running conventional.

@Vernon Barry posted:

In fact, I would recommend against this. I know that at first may seem counterintuitive, the problem is, between the super thin wiring inside the switch from the terminals for all 3 power connections (GND, AUX, Track Jumper) if they are wired incorrectly internally or externally, will likely burn up inside the switch. Again, unfortunate, but far too many switches have internal wiring order compared to label issues, and beyond that, the thin wiring could and would burn up in a derailment or other short.

Bottom line- again, in this scenario with a Z4000, I would recommend not wiring to GND at the switch. At best a redundant connection not required and at worst, lets the smoke out in failure.

Agreed - it was merely a question to see how everything was wired up and not a recommendation. 

The OP has since indicated using a bus wire.

@Kevin Davis posted:

Have tried 3 engines (Williams, 2 MTH with PS1).

Running conventional.

Kevin,

I believe that an error in the connections is to blame.  This is not necessarily because of the way you have it hooked up, but could be because a number of FasTrack switches, coming right from the factory, are known to have incorrect internal wiring.

Somehow your fixed 14 v supply is being coupled through to the track instead of just to the switch controls.  Because of this track voltage never goes low enough for the E-Unit to cycle.  You're stuck in forward as a result.

When you disconnect the switches that 14 volts disappears and everything returns to normal.

Mike

A voltmeter on the track would do a lot to confirm this great explanation.

Thanks to everyone for all the help.

I'll be checking the switch wiring in the next couple day and crossing my fingers.

I'll post the results for anyone who might be interested.