I'm trying to figure out using Atlas 205 connector to turn power on/of to blocks. All the wiring diagrams I've seen show power in, 1 lead (hot) and power out 1 lead to block. Blocks have insulating pins on center rail. No other wires. However, I can't get the controller to turn power off. (checked out operation to ensure connector switch works - it does). There is obvioulsy something about the grounding that I'm missing. I have ground buss to my layout, trains run ok. What am I missing?
Center rail? SOund sliek you are in tinplate or hi-rail. Either way, it should work, although Atlas does have a higher power version for the heavier current of larger scales. The Connector is actually a series of DPST switches, so it can switch both terminals, but you can also use it with common rail. Linked terminals are: the TOP connection ont he side is the LEFT terminal of each switch, the bottom side conenction is the right conenction of each switch. For a block to be cut off, you need insulating pins in the center rail at both ends, and then the power for the center rail of that block goes to the Connector. Isolate teh center rail - the two outside rails are connected together, at least in the metal-tie track. If the power is not being cut to the supposedly insulated block, then you have a feed somewhere goign to the center rail that is bypassing the Connector. Either both ends aren't insualted, or the center rails are touching each other depsite the insulated pin being in there. Or you insulated section is too short and a lighted car or loco has one center pickup in the power side and one in the insulated section, allowing the power to reach the loco even witht he power cut.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for the information, Randy.
I've discovered that this connector is different from the Atlas connectors used in the articles I've read. So the 205 does not appear to be intended for use with 3 rail O guage. (At least for what i was trying to do.)
I've messed around a bit more and talked with another guy who opined that this connector works by reversing the polarity, rather than cutting off the power. So by running a ground wire I've gotten it to work. But I think I'll just use toggle switches instead.
That would be wierd. The 205 Connector is just on/off switches. The Twin is a pair of DPDT switches wired to reverse polarity.
Try the other set of terminals - in the 205 one of the input terminals is common to all 3 switches and it NOT switched off, the other terminal does go to the switch and gets turned on and off depending on the switch position. CHeck it with a meter if you have one, use ohms and touch one input terminal and one output terminal, with the switch in both positions. You'll see the right combo.
OK, got it! Thanks for the help getting this thing figured out.