So I have a track that leads from the mainline to staging. In order for a train to make the journey 3 turnouts need to be aligned for a through route. I'm having a problem with getting all 3 turnouts to throw when using one switch. I'm using 1 switch since it's basically setting a route and all turnouts need to aligned correctly.
I think my problem is too much powwer loss through the switch not allowing enough voltage to get to the turnouts. I'm using Atlas switches and motors (I know not the greatest) but they are fine for powering 2 turnouts at my crossovers. Is the 3rd turnout just too much? I've tried different switches to rule out a defective unit and swapped a different motor into the most troublesome switch wth no improvement.
Thoughts? Reccomendations?
Modeling the Cleveland and Pittsburgh during the PennCentral era starting on the Cleveland lakefront and ending in Mingo junction
Capacitive discharge, or just use buttons to throw them one at a time in rapid succession. Buttons are cheap enough.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
If you are using a power pack to throw the switches it may not have enough power available to throw all the machines at the same time. A capacitor discharge unit, as mentioned, should be used to supply enough power to throw two or more at the same time.
if you are in DCC get a switch controller like a DS64. Built in CD, set up routes to throw the switches in sequence
Another vote for a capacitive discharge circuit. You can buy one (like the Snapper from Circuitron, or others) or make one yourself for a few dollars in parts. It's just 2 resistors and 2 capacitors if you've already got a DC power supply for your turnouts. Add a bridge rectifier if you're using an AC supply.
A single CD unit will serve all the turnouts on your layout. Not only will you get a better, more solid throw and be able to throw multiple machines at once, you will also be protected in case your panel toggle sticks in the ON position, sending constant current to the switch machine. With a CD unit, the current after the first jolt is limited, and you won't toast those machines.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Replace the Atlas motors with Tortoise motors. : )
Even if you do not, Each set of switch points has its own lever in the tower.
LION thinks that emulating the TOWER plant is a nice way to go.
You can make your own momentary contact levers that will stay in the normal or reverse positions without burning out your motors.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Throwing three twin-coil point movers at the same time requires either a CD circuit or a grossly overpowered power supply. EITHER WILL OVERLOAD THE ATLAS SWITCH CONTROLLER!
One solution, if your source is analog DC, is to use a diode matrix and a single pushbutton of adequate capacity. The switch machines can be controlled individually, with the 'one-shot' button superimposed on the normal wiring. The diodes keep the machines isolated from each other.
So, what do I use? Diode matrix and a hot probe. I can control an entire yard throat for less than the price of a single Atlas controller, and brass machine screws will never stick or burn out.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964>
tomikawaTT Throwing three twin-coil point movers at the same time requires either a CD circuit or a grossly overpowered power supply. EITHER WILL OVERLOAD THE ATLAS SWITCH CONTROLLER!
I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. The CD circuit gives a significantly stronger pulse, but it is of very short duration, so there is no danger of overheating anything. I've been using mine for about 10 years now, and I've never had a problem with any of my dozens of twin-coil machines or the toggles that control them.
A grossly-overpowered straight power supply, yes, that could damage things.
I built my CD unit from an article in MR many years ago. I doubled up on the capacitance and it will easily throw up to twelve (maybe more, but that's my max needed) twin coil switch machines. It's basically the top one in this diagram, only I increased the capacitance to 10,000uF ....
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
I happened to poke around a few weeks ago and found my one I built for my N scale layout. Basically the top circuit in mark's post, it was in the book Electronic Projects for Model Railroaders. I was constantly burning out N scale switch motors, until I finally built this and ended that. I believe mine has a 4700uF cap, which was more than enough to operate multiple Atlas N scale motors. The newer Atlas HO switch motors seem much smaller than the ones I remember from HO Snap Track days, so probably they draw less current and are more susceptible to burnout, like the smaller N scale ones. 3 at once should not be a problem.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hello All,
A Capacitive Discharge Unit (CDU) will definitely help, but you might need a little more.
I experienced the same conundrum while trying to throw two PECO turnout motors from a single switch.
Rather than powering your turnout motors from your track power source look into a separate power source, as has been discussed.
I bought an inexpensive transformer from Miniatronics and wired it- -in parallel, to 2 PECO CDU’s. Each CDU powers a block of turnout motors. I've been told by some that this is overkill but it works well for me.
Because of the size of my layout (think Time Saver on steroids) I do a lot of switching in rapid sequence.
Before installing the CDU's I could only activate 1 PECO or 2 Atlas turnout motors. With the CDU's in place I've experienced the same reliability with the Atlas turnout motors; either paired or single, with the ease of throwing the paired PECO's.
Look into a separate transformer paired with a CDU and you should have no problems.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
BroadwayLion Replace the Atlas motors with Tortoise motors.
Replace the Atlas motors with Tortoise motors.
Rich
Alton Junction
You have recieved some good advice about a CDU. But the bottom line is....Your train set power pack, just does not have the power to throw three at the same time, Your lucky You can throw two. Atlas recommends at least a 2amp supply for the twin coil machines. All my machines are Atlas under table, about 45, 25 yrs running, never burnt one out. I use a 18v AC 4amp Transformer, 6amp normally open push buttons on my control panel with indicator lights and can throw two crossovers, consisting of four under table machines, two snap relays included and don't have one bit of problem with them. The set up is not filtered or regulated and it works fine. I use incandesants for the indicator lights on the panel. None have burnt out either. KISS principle, that works.
I am a DC user. One of three control panels.
Take Care!
Frank