Wiring DZ-2500 for Anti Derail on Atlas swiches.

Bryant,

A couple of comments;

- I installed 30 of the DZ2500's, about 24 as non-derailing.  I was using Ross and Gargraves track however, I don't think it would matter though.

First upon installation I was blowing switch machines almost as fast as I got them in.  The issue was if a derailment occurred a surge/pulse would come through the green or yellow wire and cause a problem with the switch motor.  After talking with Dennis at Z-Stuff (very accommodating and supportive), he suggested installing a small diode in line on the green/yellow wires.  That resolved the problem.  I'm not sure if he has been able to install the diode internally to the switch motor yet.  (It is an EASY fix.)

I assume you are also using the remote capability.  If so and using the TMCC or Legacy system, you can save a ton of money by using the DZ 2001 Data Driver.  The Data Driver replaces the need for all the Lionel Switch Control Modules.  (The Data Driver is only $20).  I connects to the command module via RS232 connection.  Then you run a "buss" wire and connect all the blue wires from the DZ2500 to the buss, it is done.  WORKS Great!!

I believe your diagram is incorrect, you should have the Yellow and Green wires connected to the INSIDE rail of the switches.  (Your only showing one.)  Then Isolate that wire from the continuing rail.  (I did that with insulating pins.)  Even though it seems very short, the switch motor will respond VERY quickly from that connection, no problem.

Also I would suggest your signal lights, etc., be isolated seperately from the de-railing functions of the switch.

Hope this helps

Don(Cerritos) posted:

Bryant,

A couple of comments;

- I installed 30 of the DZ2500's, about 24 as non-derailing.  I was using Ross and Gargraves track however, I don't think it would matter though.

First upon installation I was blowing switch machines almost as fast as I got them in.  The issue was if a derailment occurred a surge/pulse would come through the green or yellow wire and cause a problem with the switch motor.  After talking with Dennis at Z-Stuff (very accommodating and supportive), he suggested installing a small diode in line on the green/yellow wires.  That resolved the problem.  I'm not sure if he has been able to install the diode internally to the switch motor yet.  (It is an EASY fix.)

I assume you are also using the remote capability.  If so and using the TMCC or Legacy system, you can save a ton of money by using the DZ 2001 Data Driver.  The Data Driver replaces the need for all the Lionel Switch Control Modules.  (The Data Driver is only $20).  I connects to the command module via RS232 connection.  Then you run a "buss" wire and connect all the blue wires from the DZ2500 to the buss, it is done.  WORKS Great!!

I believe your diagram is incorrect, you should have the Yellow and Green wires connected to the INSIDE rail of the switches.  (Your only showing one.)  Then Isolate that wire from the continuing rail.  (I did that with insulating pins.)  Even though it seems very short, the switch motor will respond VERY quickly from that connection, no problem.

Also I would suggest your signal lights, etc., be isolated seperately from the de-railing functions of the switch.

Hope this helps

To close what I started.  I wired the anti derail wires per my drawing.  All is well.  Seems to be fine.  Probably did not need to cap between the  2 switches.

I'm glad it all worked out for you.  I don't know what you're referring to "Probably did not need to cap between the 2 switches."  I installed a "diode" to protect the DZ2500 from current surges in the event of a derailment.

The  inner straight rail that comes down both switches connect to yellow wires at the exit of each frog.  The switches are installed end to end with no spacer between.   If you put the yellow wires at the end of each frog, that leaves you no space to insulate the yellows between both switches. My thoughts are that if I check for continuity from the entering rail on the top switch the continuity will probably be broken by the time we get to the frog on the switch below.   I will know tonight.

I did put in diodes per Dennis's instructions.  Next sub-project is Custom Signals installation.  I love it when people ask if I am done with the layout...………..

DZ 2500's are TMCC controlled and require a TMCC piece to be added to the Command base with an additional daisy chained control wire. Each DZ 2500 then is addressed with a switch number.   

DZ 1000's are not TMCC controlled, requiring either an ASC, accessory switch controller, of SC-2.  Both, DZ2500's, and DZ1000's, come with push button's for independent control.  DZ 2500 may be a little slower movement, DZ 1000 is a snap switch.  

Required DZ 2501 Data driver, to be attached to the Command Base. 

Mike CT posted:

DZ 2500's are TMCC controlled and require a TMCC piece to be added to the Command base with an additional daisy chained control wire. Each DZ 2500 then is addressed with a switch number.   

DZ 1000's are not TMCC controlled, requiring either an ASC, accessory switch controller, of SC-2.  Both, DZ2500's, and DZ1000's, come with push button's for independent control.  DZ 2500 may be a little slower movement, DZ 1000 is a snap switch.  

Required DZ 2501 Data driver, to be attached to the Command Base. 

What I really like about the DZ-2500 is the ease of the anti-derail feature.  Connect a wire from each frog end directly;y to the yellow and green on the switch machine.  Train enters, the switch throws.  No derailment, no relays & no additional boards.  I run conventional, DCS (AIU) with switch operation and no problems at all.  I wish they would throw faster in normal operation, for the times when my head nods and I let go of the brake.

I do use Legacy to run my Lionel to get some of the extra features that the DCS can't bring out.  Don't know much about TMCC except I'm glad I waited.  TMCC sounds like it was a steeper learning curve than what is currently available.  In any event  Lionel and MTH really changed the field with their control systems.  I think of operation as more 3 dimensional now.  A lot of dynamics involved operating.

Looking forward to my first York in October.