isolating Gargraves track for non-derailing operation with DZ-1000 switches

[Anonymous]

I use Gargraves track and Ross swtiches with DZ-1000 switch controllers. Following the instructions for wiring the switch for non-derailing operation, I cut the inside rail of the track to create a 3 inch piece of isolated rail leading into the switch. Once I cut the track I pulled out the metal connector pins and replaced them with toothpicks. I thought this would isolate the track section.

But the switch is not working as planned. As the train passes over the switch is not being thrown. I tested the "isolated" rail with a voltage meter and discovered the current is passing through. Apparently the wooden toothpick is conducting electricity!

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone know of a better alternative for isolating the track? Is there a better way to set up the switch for non-derailing operation?

[lionelsoni]

I doubt that the toothpick is the problem. If it were conducting, you probably would have noticed that the switch would be trying to throw all the time.

Can you describe the circuit that you are using more completely? You say that you tested "with a voltage meter". What was your test? Is the return of the switch;s power supply common with the outside rails?

[Anonymous]

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "describing the circuit." The secition that I am trying to get to work is a reversing loop. When I wire the gargraves track, I use 2 conductor wire and alternate the outside rail onto which I connect the common wire.

I admit that it is possible that at the point at which I isolated the rail both outer rails may not be connected to ground. I will have to check that. Could that be causing the problem?

I have a Radio Shack voltage meter with a red lead and a black lead. I connected the red to the center rail and the black to the isolated rail and got a reading. When I connected the red lead to the center and the black meter lead to a non-electirificed piece of scrap track, I got no reading. So I figured that if the isolated rail had no current, the reading should look the same.

[eZAK]

pbugos,
That is the best way!

As Bob says more info would help.

Here are some things you can try;

With about 14vac on the track (measured from center rail to opposite outside rail) and no trains running touch a jumper wire from the outside rail (com) to your isolated control rails were the green & yellow wires, from the DZ-1000, are connected.

This should throw your switch.

If not make sure you have atleast 12 to 14 vac from the transformer and not the track going to the sw. mach. and that the LED is lit.

Also on the DZ-1000 you need to wire in the sw. controller (push button) whether or not you use it.

[eZAK]

pbugos,
Make sure both rails are connected to common.

If the switch is thrown in the direction of the control rail you will get a reading.

[lionelsoni]

Was the "isolated" rail disconnected from the switch when you made your voltage measurement?

What I meant by a description was an explanation of what was connected to what, among the several rails and the switch-machine terminals.

[MTsteamfan]

Also: See if your meter has a "continuity test" setting. (That's where if you touch the two probes together, the meter beeps or shows a reading) Touch one probe to your isolated rail and the other to your common rail and you should get NO reading or sound. This way you can make sure your isolated rail is REALLY isolated.

There could be a very small bit of metal touching at the bottom of the rail, or somewhere. I had this problem with one of my switches.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by lionelsoni

Was the "isolated" rail disconnected from the switch when you made your voltage measurement?

What I meant by a description was an explanation of what was connected to what, among the several rails and the switch-machine terminals.
[/quote

I will add some additional information. Unfortunately I am at work (goofing off) so I can't try the meter test now. I'll report tomorrow.

I have the switches connected to one transformer (a Lionel accessory transformer) and the track connected to another transformer (Lionel ZW). The DZ-1000 swtiches are operating correctly when I use the push button controller. The trans run arount the track just fine. They enter the loop, but on the way back they derail in a spectacular fashion.

When I tested the voltage and found power in the iso tarck, I did have power going to both the track and the switches (i.e. the red and green lights were on).

To confirm my wiring of the switch, in addition to the standard wiring (red, green and black) of the DZ-1000 switch, I connect an extra single strand wire from the isolated rail to the switch. The DZ-1000 has three tiny screw connectors. I connect the extra single strand wires from the iso tracks to the outside screw connectors(either left or right) on the DZ-1000.

NOTE: when I did the test of the iso track, I did not disconnect the wire from the switch machine. Could there be current flowing from the switch to the iso track via the extra single stand wire?

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