Problem with O22 switches running on Auxiliary power.

Kevin,    Do you have the transformer that is supplying power to the constant voltage plug  in phase with the track power?   The switch uses the common return to complete the electrical circuit.  One hot wire to constant voltage plug and return thru common.   If in phase tie the commons together on the power sources.  If this is not  correct I am sure the more knowledgeable on the forum will correct me and we both will learn.

Ron,

As I'm not clear with the term "In Phase", what does that mean?

I'm using 2 Lionel CW transformers.  I've turned both of them on at the same time, the bulbs light up and the switches move.  However, when I turn off the transformer with the track power (as I would need to do to stop the train in order to reverse, uncouple a car) the transformer that's hooked up to the voltage plug is not providing any power to the switch.  This in effect means that I could not turn the switch prior to the train moving and would have to do all switching while the train is in motion heading towards the switch.  At the low power being used to regulate speed, it is not enough to engage the switch to move.

Kevin,

You HAVE to connect the commons of both transformers together.  The return path is going to the trannie supplying the track power and it's not reaching the trannie supplying the switch power.  That return has to get to the trannie being used for the switch power somehow.

You do that by connecting the commons on the 2 trannies.

The warning from Ron about having them in phase is really important.  There are several threads on this forum explaining how to test for that.  Do a search.  Basically it comes down in the end to "flopping" the plug at the outlet of one of the trannies to get it in phase with the other.  It's that simple to do.  But you have to test to ensure that they are in phase.

- walt

Kevin,     Here is a link explaining how to phase your transformers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iASQfnE6pCk

The problem may be your ground wires (common) are not connected as they should be.  Check out the video and let us know. 

Hope this helps

Thanks Walt & Ron.

Looks like I have some fun homework to do this evening when I get home.

Amfleet25124 posted:

As I'm not clear with the term "In Phase", what does that mean?

I'm using 2 Lionel CW transformers. 

 I would first check that both of your CW's were made after 2006.  There should be a 4-digit date code on the bottom for month/year. The ones made before that time are wired a bit off from "normal".  It is only a problem if you want to use one of the pre-2006 CW-80's with other transformers, but can be solved.  

Assuming both of your transformers are the post-2006 type, phasing them is as simple as plugging them in with the plug the only way it fits, and connecting the black posts together between both transformers.  

As for in phase, there is TONS of information on this if you search the forum.  

JGL

The CW-80 is supposed to have an adjustable accessory voltage setting, so you may need to look at the instruction manual to set the output voltage on the accessory side.

Also have you checked the constant voltage plug-in area to make sure that the constant voltage plug is seated correctly? The old 022's sometimes will let you seat the voltage plug incorrectly, another thing to look at is the little copper piece making connection to the constant voltage plug? The constant voltage plug seats on a small pin inside the switch housing and there is a copper piece that can get stuck and not allow the use of the constant voltage pin hook-up.

Lee Fritz

JohnGaltLine posted:

I would first check that both of your CW's were made after 2006...

One more caveat, he has only one CW. The other, his switch power transformer, is a PowerPuff Max, rated at just 2.4 amps/30 watts. This will go into fold-back mode almost every time a 022 switch is activated. Even with proper phasing, this will a limiting factor in getting the switches working right.