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I guess large is a relative term, but I have a number Z-1000 turnouts that I have have to wire around the layout. I will have a central location [ control panel ] that they come back to where the momentary controllers will be located. These turnouts will be separately powered.

 

As I look at the wiring diagram in the Z-stuff site, I see that I can run one wire from the power source to the momentary switches for power - I'll use a red wire from the power source to a terminal strip with jumpers, then from the terminal strip to each momentary switch.  

 

I'll use a black wire from the power source and have it run, as a bus, around the layout and connect each turnout motor to this black common bus. 

 

The diagram shows that the remaining two wires, yellow/green for straight thru and turnout MUST be wired point-to-point between each momentary controller to each turnout motor. 

 

 

ASCs are not an alternative. Is there an alternative to this direct wiring to turnout motor?  There will be a lot of Yellow/Green wire running around under the table and keeping the wiring simple and identifiable for future troubleshooting seems like it will be a problem?  Are there any best practices for wiring this large number of turnouts?

 

Thanks in advance

Ralph

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Here is a slightly smaller job, only difference is that there are two sets of buttons and a Lionel SC-2 also trips most of the switch motors. Each switch motor is also set up for electric non-de-rail. You may find this very useful.  Keep in mind that if you are using electric non-de-rail. Outside track common and you DZ 1000 switching leads Green and yellow are the same.   White wire is substituted for the yellow. Yes it takes a lot of wire.
Link  Y-module.

Click on image to view a switch testing.

Thanks Mike

Looks like a great job.

I have been hesitant about non-derailing features of the z-1000. It looks like I would have to "cut" two rails - one to isolate the straight thru and and one to isolate the turn section, then do the wiring as you described.

I have a Dremel tool to make the cuts. I assume that is all it takes, removing a 1/16  or less space on both outside rails. 

I'll have to think that thru a bit more.

Ralph

Originally Posted by Ralph:
Thanks Mike

Looks like a great job.  Thank you

I have been hesitant about non-derailing features of the z-1000. It looks like I would have to "cut" two rails - one to isolate the straight thru and and one to isolate the turn section, then do the wiring as you described.

I have a Dremel tool to make the cuts. I assume that is all it takes, removing a 1/16  or less space on both outside rails.   That is correct.  I went back after I had all my Atlas switches wired on my layout and added the non-derail feature later.  At that point it was quite a bit more work. 
The Y-module upgrade pictured was an addition of two three way switches. It wasn't too bad to add the non-derail since it was already torn apart.    

I'll have to think that thru a bit more. It's interesting to note that as you work through this my layout with Atlas switches eventually involved 6924 relay boards and Power routing, to inhibit dead spots in the switching areas.  To do this required (8) conductors from the 6924 relay board location to the switch area.  
 
Then I thought about it a little more and added Atlas 6931 dwarf turnout indicators, additional wiring.   

Ralph

 

Last edited by Mike CT
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