I need to replace my Atlas ATL56 switch controlls, I see that users are not very happy with the 57. What do you use on your layout?
Gary
When I use twin coil switch machines, I use a Capacitive Discharge (CD) power supply. A simple SPDT center-off sprung toggle switch (sprung to the center position) mounted directly in the layout diagram works very well for me. I used miniature or subminiature toggles from Radio Shack that I bought in quantity some years ago.
The CD power supply (I made my own from a circuit, but you can buy them commercially) prevents failures of switch machines and the switch controls. Without a CD power supply, the switch machine can overheat from being turned on for too long. Without a CD power supply, the Atlas switch controllers - and some toggle switches - can stick in the "on" position, and cause the same switch machine overheating, as well as increasing the likelihood the controller switch will stick again.
I like having the controls directly mounted in a track diagram for ease in selecting the correct control. On our HOn3 Free-mo modules, we do not have track diagrams on the fascia. Sometimes I wish we did for ease in selecting the correct turnout control.
Personally, I do not care for the Atlas switch machines or their controllers. The controllers are bulky and do not mount in the layout diagram. The switch machines are rather weak, do not have a spring latch, and are therefore difficult to mount under the table. And they do not have contacts to power the frog without adding the Snap Relay. Almost any other twin coil machine works better. For handlaid turnouts, I do not want the "jerk" or "hammering" of a twin coil machine, so I use a manual throw or a Tortoise on those turnouts.
just my thoughts and experiences, your choices
Fred W
At my club we had many switch machines burn out due to sticking pushbuttons. I replaced the pushbuttons on the model board with brass machine screws connected to the coils. A meter probe is used as a wand. Touching the screw head with the wand throws the desired switch. A capacitor discharge unit prevents the coils from damage.
Last layout I build with Atlas switch machines was N scale, I just used the buttons that came with them (they were the blue ones). Occasionally I had a burned out switch machine - until I built a capacitor discharge power supply. Never burned another one out, a momentary sticking of the button didn't hurt anything because the continuous power is limited. Also since the power is limited I would think there is less arcing, which is partly responsible for the sticking in the first place.
It's a super simple circuit to build, but there are commercial ones available for not much money. Well worth it regardless of what kind of buttons you use.
--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 have been using them for years. They used to stick but I learned the trick is spray the switch with 2-26 or similar lubricant. Never stuck again.
Jim
I have a bunch of them in a box somewhere. I use simple SPDT center-off, momentary toggles for all my twin-coil machines. Like many, I've got a schematic track diagram with the toggles mounted in-place.
And I'll add my voice to the chorus of Capacitive Discharge Unit enthusiasts. I also must admit that I've burnt out switch machines when those Atlas buttons got stuck.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
THANKS for all the posts. guess I have a lot of work ahead.
Any idea where I can find a wiring diagram for a CD power supply?
gdelmoro Any idea where I can find a wiring diagram for a CD power supply?
This is a pretty simple and effective one to build. http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CDPSU.html
Joe