Well, here I go again, looking for help. i am beginning to wire my new n scale layout which has two reverse loops. My last layout had only one which seemed to be no problem. I am using the 2 Atlas controllers #220-300. I have the "common" wire attached to the first controller and have tried it on the second controller as well. I have been unable to get power to both loops at the same time;ie measured with a volt meter until I read the directions(my wife would be proud). The package says to leave the "cab direction switch" in the middle position on the first controller. This does seem to work; I get power to both reverse loops at the same time. Problem solved you say; Not So Fast. What purpose does the "common" wire serve on the controller?. Also, I do not have power anywhere on the main track, just the reverse loops. How do I feed power to the main track? I am sure this may sound elementary but i am stumped. Thanks for any help you can offer and merry christmas.
Joe
You hook your power pack(s) to the controllers. Then to the right of the controllers you use Selectors to feed power to the tracks and allow each block to be assigned to either cab. The Atlas plan books all have pictorial diagrams that show how to wire them up, you can refer to one of those for guidance.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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