I would appreciate any wiring info as how to wire up a SPDT (ON/OFF/ON) toggle switch to operate Atlas O Scale Remote switches. I understand that it can be done.
Diagrams helpful but word explanation works too. Thanks in advance.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I don't believe a SPST switch will work?
I believe you will need a SPDT (On)-Off-(On) switch. Spring return to Off position and momentary contacts for both On positions. I am always willing to learn so I will follow along here for any other suggestions for the SPST switch.
I'm not sure about Atlas switches needing a center off position but that is what is needed for Lionel switches. The switch can be a single pole double throw with momentary contact for the center pole position. Because if you have a full throw instead of momentary contact you may end up burning out one side of the switch machine because the switch device keeps the electric current flowing if not a momentary contact.
Even Gargraves and Ross use a momentary contact for their switch throw devices.
Lee Fritz
Assuming you find a center-off, double throw, momentary switch rated for enough current to do the job (1A min.), the wiring is pretty straight forward. one side of your transformer to the center terminal on the switch machine. the other wire from the transformer to the center terminal on your toggle switch, and a pair of wires from the two other terminals on the switch machine to the remaining two terminals on the toggle switch.
Assuming your heart isn't set on using a toggle, it is often much easier and cheaper to just use two push buttons instead of one switch. You could also build a controller and use any double throw toggle if you wanted, but that can get pretty complex, and probably isn't worth the trouble if you're not using anti-derail functions or track-side and/or panel lights to show switch direction. If you are looking for those features Atlas sells controller boards, but there has been some discussion in the electrical forums lately about building one's own.
JGL
