I bought two O60 switches without controllers and would like to test them before investing in another controller(Lionel says unavailable). One was for parts or repair and the other is supposed to work. They were cheap enough so I could use them as manual, but would like to know if the one could be used with a controller. I'm trying to avoid taking one off the layout just to test. Does anyone have a procedure to check them out?
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On the bottom of the switch there are three terminals labeled Thru, Out, and Gnd. Just use a wire to short the connections on the bottom of the switch to simulate a controller...the Thru to Gnd and then the Out to Gnd to test the two options.
I would post a schematic of the controller, but this site is not allowing me to do so at the moment.
Chuck, thanks. Exactly what I wanted. Can I use DC in? Is the track power rectified?
I've never considered DC. I don't know what 060 you have, 3 rail? For 3 rail, the manual says 5 to 18 volts AC.
It is three rail. I'll use my KW. I only paid $20 for it. The two fitters and lantern almost cover that. I just want to see if it does anything. Thanks for the help.
I've never tried DC, I'd be somewhat skeptical of it working, but who knows. 
Is the circuitry for the controller inputs common to that used by the non-derailing feature? It's been a long time since I had the back off of one, so I don't remember if the wires are joined together or not.
I'm not sure if it is or not, but as a start, you could just check the non-derailing feature using the insulated rails on each leg. Power up the track and use an alligator clip or a piece of rolling stock to check if the non-derailing will trigger the mechanism.
-Dave
I may have gotten lucky. They both work on the bench. I'll try the non derailing later today.
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