How many amps does a twin coil switch draw?
Jerry
Between 3 to 6 amps for a very short period of time. They will burn out the coils if enginerized for more than a minute.
It's best to use a capacitor discharge unit (available from Circuitron and others) to both protect the coils and push buttons and provide the oomff needed to throw the turnouts, especially if you have to throw more than one simutaneously. You can power the unit with any old 12v power pack.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
I second that vote for a Capacitive Discharge Unit. I just installed a Miniatronics one on my layout (purchased from Toy Train Heaven for about $30). The turnouts now operate reliably annd I do not have to worry about burn out.
Joe Staten Island West
You can build your own Capacitive Discharge circuit. Basically, it's two resistors and two capacitors. If you are driving it with an AC power supply, add a bridge rectifier. Even at Radio $hack, the parts will only cost a few dollars.
If you're already accustomed to soldering, it's an easy project. If you're not, then it's a good project to start on.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
How many switch machines will the capicator discharge power, or do I need one for every machine?
Twin coil switch machines receive power for only a very short duration, so one CD power supply is all you should need.
Jerry,
Most C-D units with 'throw' 4-5 twin-coil switch machines at once. You only need one unit for your layout. They put out a strong 'pulse' and then there is nothing(as it needs to recharge). This prevents burning up the coils in you switch machines. The size of the capacitors/resistors determines the recharge time(usually under 5 seconds). If you are going to use twin coil machines, this is the way to go. I did not have a C-D unit and had a momentary toggle 'stick' - a burned up machine in about 20 seconds. I replaced all 10 of my Kemtron switch machines withTortoise units after that.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
If you intend to throw more than 2-3 twin coil machines at once, going to a CD system is the way to go.
I use a MRC Railpower 1300 power pack to power my Atlas twin-coil switch machines. I also use the 'standard' Atlas slide switches to activate them. I have two cross-overs on my layout that require throwing the "switches" at the same time. The Railpower seems to handle them without a problem.
All of my twin-coil machines have been converted (hacked at home) to under table machines, but the principle is the same. With one exception, when my, at the time, 6-year old grandson leaned on a slide switch, I have never had a problem with the slide switches or the machines themselves.
One other thing. Be sure all of your connections are tight. Loose screws reduce the efficiency of the twin coil units significantly.
If you are interested in converting surface mount Atlas twin coil machines into under table machines there is a short How-To on my website.
Good luck.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
I throw mine with DS-64s. They have 20 volt Capacitive Discharge built in.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Assuming all your turnouts are wired to a common power source then you should only need one CD unit wired in beween the power souce and your switch panel. The CD unit I use claims it can throw up to 10 switches simultaneously, but I have no need to test that claim.
Gentlemen,
Thanks for all the help and explanations.