remote switches, lots of sparks (1122 and 022)

[lionel2986]

I seem to get many sparks from my remote switches when the train runs through them. Also, even if the switch is in the right position and the train is passing through, it will buzz, kind of like is sending power to continue staying in the right position even when its not necessary until the train has passed. Is this normal? I sanded the rails and have less sparks, but the switch still buzzs even if its in the right position.

[ADCX Rob]

I seem to get many sparks from my remote switches when the train runs through them. Also, even if the switch is in the right position and the train is passing through, it will buzz, kind of like is sending power to continue staying in the right position even when its not necessary until the train has passed. Is this normal? I sanded the rails and have less sparks, but the switch still buzzs even if its in the right position.

Normal for the 1122 & 1122E, not normal for the 022, unless there is an accessory or relay connected to the switch motor (153, 151, eg.) 

Rob

[lionelsoni]

A 153 is usually connected to an 022 with its common grounded (to the outside rails), so that the lamps are in parallel with those in the controller, which should not cause buzzing (unless the lamps draw a lot of current).

If the 1122 buzzing bothers you, it is possible but not easy to eliminate it by operating the turnout on DC.  This requires disconnecting the coil common from the center rail and bringing it out of the turnout.  (Various ways to to this surgery have been described on the forum and in CTT.)  When you operate an 1122 this way, you also need to protect it against continuous energization of the coils, as when a train stops on the turnout.  This part is easy:  a shunt (5000 microfarad electrolytic) capacitor and a series (100 ohm) resistor to the DC supply.