Does anyone have a easy way to wire the DZ1000 switch machines ? The wire is very small and I have broken 2 machines so far.
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I positioned barrier strips directly under the layout from the position of the switch. Drilled a hole passed the very small wires through and connected them to the barrier strip. This allows you to run larger and more durable wire back to wherever your locating your controls. The same method can be used for mounting the push button controllers provided by Z-Stuff if your using them.
MichRR714 posted:I positioned barrier strips directly under the layout from the position of the switch. Drilled a hole passed the very small wires through and connected them to the barrier strip. This allows you to run larger and more durable wire back to wherever your locating your controls. The same method can be used for mounting the push button controllers provided by Z-Stuff if your using them.
I use these for my DZ 1000 switch machines
I think they come in packs of 25. They sell larger ones too for larger wire.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Kle...VDV826-604/203579183
Much easier. I was pulling my hair out trying to splice these small wires together.
Buzz
Hello Jimmy2013. If you broke them by a wire coming off, disassembly is not hard and you can re- solder the wire back on.
Rod Miller
I extended the DZ 1000 OEM wires by about 12" using same color solid #22 (telephone) wire. This makes the connections to terminal strips more durable.
As noted above, I also used euro style terminal strips. Wire from the DZ switches controllers, hot and common are easy to connect. I also ran wires to my SC-2s to control the switches as well. In addition, I connected wires for non-derailing.
This makes it very easy to remove a DZ 1000 for repair / replacement if needed.
MichRR714 posted:I positioned barrier strips directly under the layout from the position of the switch. Drilled a hole passed the very small wires through and connected them to the barrier strip. This allows you to run larger and more durable wire back to wherever your locating your controls. The same method can be used for mounting the push button controllers provided by Z-Stuff if your using them.
I am so immensely grateful I read this thread and for this simple post right here. I'm about to wire up my switch machines. I hadn't thought of barrier strips and have been hesitant to move forward fearing what it was going to be like wiring the machines to the AIU and the control buttons and the non-derailing wiring--I've been finding almost anything else to do besides these switch machines. This makes perfect sense! This type of stuff makes the OGR an indispensable resource in model railroading. Thank you very much! I'll be wiring switch machines this weekend and, I bet, running trains on my layout next!
I also used the Euro style terminal strips. Had to double over the DZ wires though. I didn't, but adding on with stronger wire is a good idea. The connectors above from Home Depot also look like a good option. These are very nice switch machines, but I think the wire used is definitely the weak point of the device. Nothing that can't be dealt with though.
