Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

PECO PL 11 Snap Switch

1071 views
1 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Moneta, VA USA
  • 1,175 posts
PECO PL 11 Snap Switch
Posted by gdelmoro on Friday, March 25, 2016 1:54 PM

Will the PECO PL 11 Snap Switch work without some kind of capacitor?  Seems if they sell it like that it should work.  Does it connect to DC Accesory or AC on the power pack?

Gary

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, March 25, 2016 11:09 PM

Peco turnouts have a built-in spring that holds the points solidly against the stock rails.  But, this spring requires more power than other turnouts to overcome the spring tension.

If you have enough power, either AC or DC, to drive the PL-11 switch machine, you will be fine.  However, if you're used to driving less demanding machines like Atlas, you may find that what you're using isn't enough.  This is particularly true if the turnout is some distance from your power supply or control panel, because the long, usually-thin wires also eat part of your power.

A capacitive discharge (CD) circuit is highly recommended for any twin-coil machine like the Peco or Atlas.  Not only does it deliver more power on demand, it also protects the machines from the common problem of a sticky toggle switch or push button.  For most layouts, a single CD circuit is sufficient for all the twin-coil machines you've got.

You can one pre-built (the Circuitron "Snapper" is one) or you can build one with a few Radio Shack parts.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!