Lionel 0-27 Switches

The switch operation has nothing to do with command mode. 

 

For command, you're putting 16-18 volts on the track all the time, right?  What model O27 switches are you using?  You don't expect them to function by command control, right?

Sorry gunrunnerjohn; I was very vague.  I am trying to power my 0-42 0-27 switches by an independent fixed source (CW80) so they will not drain power from the track. 

The instructions (http://www.lionel.com/media/se...ents/70-5121-250.pdf) say when using command install a jumper wire and hook to a fixed power supply.  Then, hook the common post of the transformer to the outside rails.

That link is bad, what model switches are you using?  Do they have a fixed power input?

I do not know why that link does not work but anyway, I am using Lionel item # 65167.  I am trying to use a cw80 transformer to power my switches so they will not pick power up from the center rail.

Here is the correct link: http://www.lionel.com/media/se...ents/70-5167-250.pdf. If you read through it, you will find that the switch is designed to work from track voltage only. However, that manual gives you the instructions for modifying the switch to use the voltage from another source. It doesn't mention a simple "jumper" to do it.

Right, I looked it up.  You have to modify the switch wiring to make it work, read page 5 for the instructions.

 

I followed the directions exactly and the switches do not seem to get power from the accessory transformer.

What are you using for "common" on your CW-80, and which model(date code) CW-80 are you using, and how did you phase it to your track power supply? 

For common, I have attached the common post on the CW-80 to the outer rails.  I believe my transformers are "phased" because the common and the hot match on both transformers.  Strogey, which wires did you use to convert the switch.  I used the two wires in the middle that were insulated with the white insulation.

In the illustration there are 3 terminal nuts. Do you have the controller hooked up to these? Do you have the CW-80 connected to the outside rail?

 

Power everything up. Connect a wire to the center terminal nut. With the other end of the wire touch the other 2 terminals. This should throw the switch.

 

With this type of switch i assume you are using 027 track.

This makes me so mad. Thank you so much Strogey! When I burned the shellac off of the wires, it worked perfectly. Why didn't Lionel say that in the instructions. Thank you again!

Just glad it worked for you and for once I could help. The shellac part was in the SC-2 instructions so they can't play dumb. Congrats on getting it done. Give some thought to adding SC-2 control. You can put it in parallel so either will work. What is neat if you have a pair of switches that need to be thrown together you can wire both to one relay. Program the ID into your remote and throw them both simultaneously from your remote.

The instrutctions told you that you had to remove the shellac. It didn't tell you how to do it, though. That procedure was left up to you to find the best way. I'm glad that you finally got the switch working.

Not to be too picky, but from page 5 of the switch manual, they do mention the shellac on the wires.  They can't spell, but it's there.

 

 

Oh, I see Rob beat me to that.

Now that that part is solved, how do you plan to keep the switch motors from melting down when you park a train that is triggering the non-derailing function?

Rob, I have used electrical tape to tape over the control rails so the motor will not sit there and burn.

Perfect!