On a DC system, HO, I have 5 Atlas snap switches wired to the back of the Atlas accessorie terminal. Should the control be turned up for full voltage. The switches really snap, but am I causing any problem?
Thanks
Bill
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Can I replace the Atlas snap switch under table machine with Tortoise and keep the same wiring? Do I need a different type of switch botton, toggle, etc?
No, you cannot use the same wiring and control switch for a Tortoise that you are using for an Atlas. Atlas switch machines operate on 16 Volts AC in only a very short pulse, and a Tortoise requires 12 Volts DC continuous.
Regarding Atlas switch machines for HO, will the switch operate on 12 vac if the wiring run to the switch is 3'-4' in length and only one switch is thrown at a time? I saw the comment on powering with a full 16 vac creating enough "snap" to eventually loosening turnout components. Best regards
mbvan1Can I replace the Atlas snap switch under table machine with Tortoise and keep the same wiring? Do I need a different type of switch botton, toggle, etc?
If I remember correctly, the Atlas switch machine requires three wires, the Tortoise only needs two.
So yes, you can use the same wires.
As Cacole pointed out, the Tortoise runs on DC continuous while the Atlas need AC momentary. You will need a different VOLTAGE SOURCE AND CONTROLS to attach to the wiring at the control panel when you change over to a Tortoise.
No need to run new wires, and you will have one extra left over.
RLPRegarding Atlas switch machines for HO, will the switch operate on 12 vac if the wiring run to the switch is 3'-4' in length and only one switch is thrown at a time?
On my first N scale layout I powered the N scale Atlas switch machines with a 12 volt AC power source. No problems.
I assume it would work in HO also. Could be wrong.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I think Kevin missed the post date.The Atlas switch machines work OK from 12 to 16 volts AC. The under layout #65 with the full length throw arm works better with higher voltage to over come the long throw arm.I’ve been using the Atlas switch machines since the 1960s and never had one come apart.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
For Atlas, Peco and other twin-coil machines I strongly recommend a Capacitive Discharge circuit. I built one for a few dollars, or you can get a commercial one. I found it particularly important for Peco machines with a long wire run from the control panel to the machine.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Ditto what Beasley says. If you are going to stick with the Atlas machines, get a capacitor discharge power supply. It's an easy beginner electronic project, but commercial ones are available such as the Circuitron Snapper.
Two things these will do for you. Two, no three, the three things these will do for you (didn't expect that, did you?):
1. Snaps the machines over with authority, even if triggering two at a time, such as a crossover controlled by one pushbutton.
2. Protects from burning out the switch machine if you accidently hold the button too long, or if it sticks (which they have an annoying tendency to do).
3. If you power it from the same power pack used to run trains, it keeps throwing a switch from making the train momentarily slow down.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks RR Mel, you nailed it. On point reply and much appreciate.
Rick
rrinker Two things these will do for you. Two, no three, the three things these will do for you (didn't expect that, did you?):
AMONG the things these will do for you... with ruthless efficiency...
... by any chance, are you a MASON?...
RR_MelI think Kevin missed the post date.
Yep, I sure did. Ooops.
RLPThanks RR Mel, you nailed it. On point reply and much appreciate.
You can always count on Mel. Me, not so much.
I have looked for Atlas turnout remote switch specifications but haven't located anything on line. Does anyone have or know where to find Atlas published electrical specifications? Switch input voltage and current draw? I'm interested in HO but others might be interested in the same info specifically for the other commonly used gages. BTW, thanks to everyone who have added info to this string of posts. Rick
It's one of those things that just seems to always have been that way - they traditionally have been connected to the AC Accessory terminals of a typical power pack, which traditionally have put out around 16V AC. The N scale ones were the same. When I built my CD power supply, there were no differences int he circuit for different scales.
It's no so much the voltage (obviously there is some absolute limit, but it's going to be quite high, where no matter how short the pulse, it will damage the coils, but it's well above the typical 16V you get fromt he power pack) as it is how LONG that voltage is applied. In fact, the CD supply I built put out a pulse somwehere around 25 volts, and resulted in NO N scale Atlas motors burning out compared to several when using the 16V fromt he power pack, because the CD supply limits the pulse to a short duration and limits the continuous current, like if you hold down the button, or it gets stuck, to a level low enough to not warm up the coil.