Substitute a Train Electrics DPDT-1 for the Atlas O #200 Snap Relay

I don't think the Train Electrics relay will work with the Atlas switch, unless it's a latching relay?

There is now something much better than the snap relay, see this thread: Point Position Indicators  Then contact Alex, he has them available now or will soon have more if he sold out of the first batch. I have tested one of the kits, they work really well. These won't burn out and are probably less expensive than the relays. I am getting ready to order some myself for my Atlas switches, soon as I finalize my cross overs.

rtr:

Educate me - when you say latching relay what do you mean? Do you mean a relay that will switch from NO to NC (vice versa) and stay connected to NC as opposed to switching to NC and then going back to NO right away?

Correct, there are two coil latching relays and single coil latching relays.  The single coil typically work with reverse polarity.

Basically yes, you have the right idea.

I will try to explain a bit more to clarify (hopefully not to add consusion). The Train Electrics relays require power to maintain their contacts in one position (common to normally open), when power is removed they immediately revert back to their default position (common to normally closed). Latching relays do not do this, they stay where ever you set them. They are set with just a pulse or short burst of power and stay where set until you change them. The Train Electrics relay requires a 'maintained' switch (as in a light switch). The latching relays require a 'momentary' switch (quick push of the button and then release it). A maintained switch would burn out the Atlas snap relay or switch machine in short order, same as holding the switch button down too long.

Alex's (he is forum member Ingeniero No1) position indicators do not require relays and can not get out of sync with the actual switch position as the snap relays supposedly can. And they don't burn up, they are totally separate from the switch machines.

Will be glad to try and answer any further questions if this is still not very clear, just let me know.

Everybody - THANKS!

I have an enquiry into Alex wrt his signal system.

I also purchased a latching relay just to try on my own.

I double checked with Neil at Trainelectrics and the DPDT-1 is indeed non-latching. However Neil is working on a latching relay mounted on a PC board. I asked him to keep me updated on progress.

Joe