Testing Peco Switch Motors

[rlandry6]

I have an interchange array that I just built consisting of 13 Peco turnouts and PL-10 switch motors. I'm testing the motors for proper operation in both directions. Some of them operate fine both ways, some will only switch one direction and buzz when trying to go the other way. One buzzes in either direction and will not switch. I checked for binding and everything looks OK. I'm using a MRC power pack with the DC voltage adjusted for 14 volts. Is this enough voltage to operate these switch motors? I'm using the two terminals on on side tied together as the common and then the terminal for each coil is wired separately. Anybody have an idea what's happening here?

Thanks

 

 

[rlandry6]

***Update***

I went back and tried them using the ACC AC terminals and everything works properly with AC voltage. The output voltage of that terminal is 17VAC. Does that mean I have to run the tunouts on AC? I was going to use a CD power supply because that's what I've read most people use for turnout control. Maybe I didn't have the DC turned up high enough. How much DC voltage does it need?

 

 

[MisterBeasley]

I would go with the CD circuit.

I've got both Atlas and Peco switch machines.  The Atlas ones run fine, but the Peco units really do need more of a kick.  Not surprising, because they have to overcome the force of the Peco spring that holds the points against the stock rails.

You could just run them with the higher voltage, but in the long run, you'll be happier with the CD.

[rlandry6]

Can you point me to a source for a PS or to a schematic so I can build it?

 

Thanks

[nedthomas]

Try this site. They have what you are loooking for.

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

[richg1998]

I have used 18 vac for twin coil machines but this circuit is better if you try to operate two or three for route selection. Some people switch more than one turnout using one switch. I have to switch a three way and depending on which route, I may have to switch two coils simultaneously.

I have built this CD supply and it works very well. I added a another 2200 ufd capacitor in parallel with C2 for a little more "punch". Just watch the polarity of the electrolytic capacitors. I use 24 vdc power supply to power the CD circuit.

http://www.awrr.com/cdsupply.html

Rich