I have a small N scale DCC layout which incorporates 13 Atlas code 80 remote switches. I haven't wired them yet, but did a trial run on one switch and wasn't impressed. The switch moved once when I pressed the button and never again. I can hear the electrical motors trying to work and the switches aren't impeded by anything. Given that electricity is getting to the switches and they work fine in manual mode, I'm inclined to think it's a lack of power. I currently use a Bachmann powerpack. The pack has .7 AMPS to the track. I'm not sure if thats AC or DC. I'm not running anything DC, just DCC. Is that too low to run so many switches even though its a small N scale layout??
Yeah, that's probably it. The best thing for twin-coil machines like the Atlas is a Capacitive Discharge circuit. You can buy one pre-made (the Snapper is one model) or you can google up a circuit and build one yourself for a few dollars in parts. It's basically two resistors and two capacitors. If you're using an AC supply, add a bridge rectifier.
A CD circuit will store energy in a capacitor, and then release a big jolt all at once when you push the button. Then, it limits the current as long as the button remains pushed, thus protecting the switch machine from burning out if the button sticks. Once the button is released, the system recharges.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Well for one thing,,,the Atlas switch machines,require 16 to 18 volt AC,to power them....The Bachmann power pack 0.7 amps to track,is DC volts,which will not work on the switch machines..If there is an FIXED AC terminals out,that is the one you use...I'm guessing,the power pack,is a train set power pack and the only thing they are good for is running one train under your Christmas tree...Either you get a larger power supply,,or do what Mr.B, suggested......Forget the Bachmann power pack..
Cheers,
Frank
Atlas switch machines will work on DC. The output of a Capacitive Discharge circuit is DC. Many people run Atals machines from the AC terminals of a power pack, and the instructions might even suggest that, but they will work just fine on DC as long as you have enough power.
Mr.B,
I agree,,,,,,,I didn't feel like changing what I typed,,,,,,,But still in all,,,it's the power supply,that is the problem...
zstripe Mr.B, I agree,,,,,,,I didn't feel like changing what I typed,,,,,,,But still in all,,,it's the power supply,that is the problem... Cheers, Frank
Frank, just like AC/DC, you were Thunderstruck.
Hell's Bells, Back in Black.
Angus
Alton Junction
richhotrain zstripe Mr.B, I agree,,,,,,,I didn't feel like changing what I typed,,,,,,,But still in all,,,it's the power supply,that is the problem... Cheers, Frank Frank, just like AC/DC, you were Thunderstruck. Hell's Bells, Back in Black. Angus
Rich,
Yeah,,,,,,''I Shouda'affh,remembered,tha rrockss'',''BraveHeart''..LOL..
The CD supply will even work with a limited power 'train set' power pack. On my old N scale layout, I ran the CD supply I built with the old "Postage Stamp" power pack that came witht he first N scale set my Mom got for my Dad somewhere around 1969. I think the output was less than half an amp. it was enough to light up the 8 or so structures I had, plus run the CD supply for my switches. The trains ran much better when I bought an MRC Tech II 1500, I didn;t connect anything to the AC output of that.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I never cared for the little slap-slam solenoid machines in the snap track type switches made by the manufacturers of same, but insteaad used the large, beefier, under-table slap-slam machines with multicontact leaf switches. Their action was far more positive and immediate. I made my own capacitive discharge system and ran 35 volts dc to the machines in a discharge from a 10,000 ufd 50 volt capacitor. Never failed....ever. That was in my HO days in the 60's,70's, 80's and 90's. Today it is all Tortus slow motion machines on the HOn3 layout.
Good luck with those little machines. They certainly can work if all is smooth and unimpeded.
Richard
If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed
The LION and the TORTOISE.
LIONS only use TORTOISES. They are easy to install, once you throw away the manufacturer's instructions, and do it my way. They are very forgiving of everything, and can be wired using just one wire to each machine (the other side being grounded). With a large layout and many turnouts, each run of wire costs money, so cutting this in half is a big issue on the Route of the Broadway LION.
LION uses 25 pair cat-3 cable to route control circuits around the layout. That is expensive wire, but if you go to a firm that installs business telephone systems, it is possible that you can get short lengths for a bargain price: After all, you are only running 10 to 15' between access panels, and they cannot use cables that short. -- Actually most of the wire that the LION uses is surplus from the telephone company back from the days when they actually used the stuff on overhead telephone poles. (You do not want the buried kind: It is far too difficult to work with) Now our phone company only used optic fiber right to each and every customer, but I am not going to bother to dig up the old stuff.
See the LION and the Tortoise on my web site.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS