Atlas Switches

[1train]

I am ready to install 3 Atls Switches to my lay-out (Code 83) simple lay-out. Do I just wire to the Transformer all 3 leads? I hope this is not an elementary question. Thanks for all advice in advance.
Tommy

[rrinker]

If you do not intend to cut power to a siding, yes. The Atlas switches are completely insulated so you can install power feeds to any or all legs of the turnout without problem (except if you create a loop that comes back on itself - ie, if the straight route and the curved route of the turnout get connected by a loop of track. Then you have a 'reverse loop' and that requires additional wiring).

--Randy

[56chevytimes2]

Are you referring to the leads coming off of the switch moter. If so the that will fry the moter. The center should be common and the other two alternate power from one wire to the other to energize the magnetic coil inside and work the switch. May be some one else can explain it better than I can and will chime in.

Kurt 56chevytimes2

[rlbeetle]

One lead is common, the other two leads wire them through momentary switches. If you leave them energized too long they will burn up.

[1train]

Hey guy's it sounds like the Atlas switches will not last long, should I invest in something else? let me know.
Tommy

[rlbeetle]

I'm sure there are better ones out there, but Atlas switches are made to be energized long enough to "snap" the turnout to the new position and then be turned off. They don't stay energized all the time, just long enough to move the turnout. The switches Atlas sells for their switchs are momentary. The Atlas switches should be OK.

[dwRavenstar]

You can protect the switch motors by using a resistor/capacitor circuit between the momentary switch and the turnout switch.
The capacitor is charged and discharges in a millisecond and won't send current to the turnout again till it has time to recharge.
I can't recall the address for the circuit site but when I find it I'll send it along.

Momentary can become permanent if you don't hear the "snap" and hold the button down, thinking something is wrong. (Kinda like sounding a brass bell 3 1/2 times)

dwRavenstar

[dwRavenstar]

Ok got that address:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CDPSU.html

[1train]

One more question guy's, do all 3 wires hook up 1 terminal on my Transformer?
Thanks

[rlbeetle]

There should be a wiring diagram on the switch package. On the Atlas swithes I use the black is common and the red and green tie into the switches. The black wire ties to one side of the transformer AC output. The other side of the AC output feeds the switches.

[JohnWPowell]

1train ,the 3 wires hook up to a push /slide button switch and then 2 wires hook up to the transformer do not wire the 3 wires straight to the transformer John

[Anonymous]

Just a comment on electrical snap switches for Atlas code 83. Everyone of mine self destructed and eventually I replaced them all with code 100. The code 83 switches with ground throws were fine. I wrote Atlas about the problem. Their reply was a free code 83 switch.