Ross switches questions

I run my switch machines at 14V AC and have no problems.  I do not know if the higher voltage that you are considering will have negative effects or not.

Jerry, my replies refer to the Z-Stuff's  DZ-1000 Wiring diagram.

1.  12 - 14 V from transformer 12 - 14 V tap to AC on switch machine.   COM wire tied to layout/transformer common/outside rail and C tap on controller.  Mine also run at 14V.

2.  Z-Stuff switch machines are not happy with 18V.

3.   Try your installation as you work.  The switch machines are pretty friendly.  You may be ahead of the game by temping in a setup before your do final installations.   Just ask questions as you go it needed.

Operating Ross switches with Z-1000 machines @ 18v will cause either the straight or curved points to detach from the throw bar and also lock the internal mechanism of the machine which will require opening the motor to release the lever. A real pain. I operate mine at just less than 12v and they work fine.

Thanks all,best, Jerry 

18V too high!  Cause motor to jam as stated above.  When I installed mine I started at lowest voltage 10V and increased until the  "balky" one reliable threw. finally stopped at 14.25V (yeah, engineering mentality measure, measure!)

Jerry A posted:

Hello all, 

I am just starting to add Ross  switches to my layout. Please advise ,

1. How do you hook up constant voltage?

2. Is it okay to run switches at 17 - 18 volts as I am combining with Lionel tubular switches.

3. Please advise best way to add Z 1000 switch machines to manual Ross switches. I do have the Ross instructions but I am wondering if there are better to see instructions or other things to consider when I am putting switch machines  on to ensure positive installation.

Thank you very very much, Jerry 

Jerry, you may need to look at the center rails for power supply as the manual Ross switches do not have the center rail power connected to all 3 center rails. If you buy the switch from Ross with the DZ-1000 already installed it should have the center rail power all the way through the switch. For only a few dollars more I opted for the DZ-1000 with center rail wiring through the switch.

If installing the DZ-1000 yourself make sure it can throw the switched rail correctly or have the positions adjusted properly. You may need to move the switch machine around a little and make sure the it throws the points correctly before securing the DZ-1000 in place.

I installed  DZ-1000 on a Lionel 027 switch one time so I learned about switch machine positioning. I stripped the 027 switch down to the base and added the DZ-1000 switch motor, otherwise the 027 switch was going to be thrown out.

Lee Fritz

Hi Lee,

Just starting to get involved with Ross switches and shure would like to talk to you directly if possible. Please send me your phone number and a convenient time for me to call you . my email is jba435@gmail.com. 

Much thanks, Jerry