Is there a way to wire the Lionel # 148 dwarf signals to Atlas switches. I want to use them for sidings and my small yard. I like the look and size and they are L.E.D.s. I do have some Atlas dwarf signals also.The booklet that comes with the signals doesn't have info on wiring to switches,just to track.
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Mike
Sounds like you would like your Atlas dwarf signal work when train going in to a siding Yes ?
Now the LED your talking about is on your Atlas switch machine Yes?
Do you want the signal to show the line up so the Train will know where it goes yes?
If your only looking to show a line up of the dwarf signal tie Atlas dwarf signal to correspondent wire on each wire of your switch machine.
In other word when you have your train going to the spear, have the deplay red telling the engineer this entering a restricted siding.
Wham you have your train running on the main line have the signal deplay green only.
If your looking for a more advance wiring you will have to start adding some relays . and so on.
I hope that was some help.
848-992-2157
The Atlas 6931 dwarfs should work connected per wiring diagram to the through and out leads of the Atlas switch motor.
Other trackside devices would be connected using additional Atlas part 200 Snap relay.
Atlas 6931 dwarf lights.
John, I want to use the Lionel dwarf signal to work with my Atlas switch machine, The Atlas dwarf signals are no problem to hook up because they come with the proper instructions from Atlas. I was just wondering if I could connect the #148 Lionel dwarf signal directly to the Atlas switch machine and it looks like you say yes in your reply.
Mike, Thanks for the reply and the photo's.
.................................................................. I was just wondering if I could connect the #148 Lionel dwarf signal directly to the Atlas switch machine and it looks like you say yes in your reply. No, the Atlas dwarfs are designed to work on the impedance of the switch motor coils via the small board supplied. Unless the Lionel dwarfs are identical to the Atlas dwarf signals.
Mike CT:
Please correct me if I am wrong.
The Atlas O switch machine is electromechanical. Once it throws in a direction it" turns off". So connecting the dwarf signal directly to it (if the LED bulbs are not burned out by the switch power) the lights will simply blink but not stay on.
This is the reason for the circuit board that comes with the Atlas O dwarf signals? To keep power on to the dwarf signal so it stays lite?
The snap relay is a DPDT that keeps power on in each direction so theoretically a dwarf signal can be connected directly to it provided the light bulbs are voltage compatible with the voltage used on the snap relay?
Thanks
Joe
Mike CT:
Please correct me if I am wrong.
The Atlas O switch machine is electromechanical. Once it throws in a direction it" turns off". So connecting the dwarf signal directly to it (if the LED bulbs are not burned out by the switch power) the lights will simply blink but not stay on.
This is the reason for the circuit board that comes with the Atlas O dwarf signals? To keep power on to the dwarf signal so it stays lite?
The snap relay is a DPDT that keeps power on in each direction so theoretically a dwarf signal can be connected directly to it provided the light bulbs are voltage compatible with the voltage used on the snap relay?
Thanks
Joe
The Atlas switch machine consists of 2 coils and does not turn itself off. Electronic boards are used to do that or they can be thrown by capacitor discharge. If they are powered for more than a few seconds the coils burn out.
Here is a capacitor discharge circuit.
The Atlas snap relays can not take continuous power either. They are constructed like their switch machines,but instead of throwing the turnouts,they have a set of relay contacts.
I use industrial type twin coiled latch relays. They switch in the same manner and can take continuous power. They cost about $5 each.
Dale H
I have been using the snap relay to power my MTH signals and they work great. I pick the switch signal right off the Atlas switch machines. In addition to seeing the lights change, I like hearing the relay snap. My preference is to use the Atlas Dwarf Signals (which I have a lot of) but they are hard to get.
If you already have an Atlas dwarf signal and circuit board connected and working correctly by adding a " Snap Relay" directly across the existing switch motor connection will cause the dwarf signal # 6931 to malfunction (Red/Green) indications will no longer work. The easiest way to connect a Lionel 148 dwarf to the atlas switch motor would be to use the #6924 Non Derail circuit board. The Atlas dwarf will plug in directly to the J3 connector or remain connected to the Atlas #6931 circuit board. Then if you want to add the Lionel 148 Dwarf Signal use the " latching relay outputs of J5, COM2, C1/C2 to wire the #148 and your switch motors will not burn out and you can keep the Atlas dwarf signals working and the #148 Lionel dwarf. If you have any questions and are planning to attend the Fall York meet stop by the Atlas booth and I will be happy to help you.
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