I extensively used Atlas snap (aka latching) relays some 35 years ago to route power and found that they had high failure rates after switching 100 times. I think it was due to the sliding contact metallurgy (Cu on Cu) used at the time. Perhaps they have improved the more recent versions ...I don't know. Hi rel.latching relays (with noble metal switching contacts) are very expensive.
Cap. Discharge machines-I built one 40 years ago that would switch at least12 snap switch machines simultaneously...but I took it out of use due to safety concerns. Anyone finger shorting the output of that beast would be more than just hurt. They are easy to build though. Circuitron has probably put out the most powerful one possible that won't really hurt you (aka kill you) if you finger short it.
AnonymousWith an Atlas Snap Relay it's possible to do as many as you want at the same time, or that's what the directions say inside the box. I bought about 6 of those a few years ago & haven't ever figured out how to wire them up. I bought the latest Atlas wiring book about a year ago, but that didn't help either. Now, I have a friend trying out a few on his layout & he's an electronic nut, so, if anyone can figure out the wiring diagram, he's the one. If it's anything more than a simple wiring job I'm confused.
Here you go;
Gary
Oops..... Post deleted. Didn't see the original post date was 2004 ... I jumped in because of what I thought was a current thread post. Yet another senior moment ...
Whether it be an old thread or not......I find it hard to believe that people have a hard time understanding the instructions for wiring and it also states what the power requirements are further down in the Power Requirements. I have quite a few of the Snap Relays and under-table machines (45) that some have been working for over 32 yr's and I use a dedicated 6amp 18vac transformer to power them with momentary push buttons on control panel and have not had any problems with them what so ever. I got them back when they were 7.00 apiece.
They power the frogs, panel lights and search light signals at 6 cross-overs, which are Tomar 2-light signals.
Take Care!
Frank
I still don't know what he was really asking.
If the idea is to energize two frogs on a crossover, where two turnouts are thrown together all the time, then sure, one snap-relay will work. If the idea is to somehow use it to power two independent frogs, then it's probably not going to work.
These things are usually wired in parallel with a switch machine, so yes, a CD circuit is the way to go. Even if you don't have snap-relays, a CD circuit is the way to go.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
BigDaddy richhotrain Thank you so much. I have waited nearly 13 years for an answer to this question. Poor Archie hasn't posted in 6 years, he missed it. Old thread stars;
richhotrain Thank you so much. I have waited nearly 13 years for an answer to this question.
Poor Archie hasn't posted in 6 years, he missed it.
Old thread stars;
Alton Junction
richhotrainThank you so much. I have waited nearly 13 years for an answer to this question.
On second thought, Walshrd we don't mean to be rude. Welcome to the forum.
It just that newbies commonly do one of 3 things;
a) They answer a "vintage" question that has been asked by someone, who is now only identifed as Anonymous, because they haven't posted in years
b) They ask a question with so little information that it's impossible to give an inteligent answer. "My engine doesn't run right"
c) They start what I call a "Drive By" thread, because we aren't allowed to call each other trolls. The regulars end up arguing with one another about the "best radius" or the "best engine" or "DCC is dead" or some such nonsense and the newbie is never seen again.
Actually a bunch of us have dredged up an old posts without realizing it so there is no great harm. We have every expectation that you will be a contributing member of the forum.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Thank you so much. I have waited nearly 13 years for an answer to this question.
QUOTE: Originally posted by JBCA I'm back in the hobby after 30 years in remission and have exactly the same problem. My power supply for the switches is 800 milliamp and trying to power two at once is hit and mss. Methinks I'll try the Radio Shack 1000 milliamp (1 amp?) unit. BTW being out so long I bought 15 Atlas snap switches -- didn't know custom line existed, they look much better, oh well for the next phase.
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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