Hello all,
I have numerous Atlas #56 Switch Control Boxes on my layout powering twin-coil solenoid type Remote Switch Machines; both Atlas and PECO.
Even before converting my pike to DCC all the switch motors; no matter what the manufacturer, were powered by a separate source as opposed to the accessory terminals on the DC cabs.
To power them I bought a "wall-wart"; Miniatronics (model WT 16) Input 120 VAC 60 HZ 18 W; Output 16 VAC @ 800mA, from Amazon.
This is wired to a dual row, panel mount terminal block barrier strip. One side "+" (hot) and one side "-" neutral.
From the "+" (hot) side of the terminal block a single wire connects to a SPST toggle switch, mounted on the control panel. Two wires from the SPST switch are then connected to the "+" sides of two PECO PL-35 C.D.U.s.
I did this so I could cut the power to the C.D.U.s from the control panel without having to unplug the wall-wart.
From the terminal block two separate wires go directly to the input "-" sides of the C.D.U.s.
(Some fine folks on these forums said two C.D.U.s was excessive. See my disclaimer/signature.)
The outputs of one C.D.U. then goes to one half of the Atlas #56 Switch Control Boxes.
Each Switch Control Box is linked to the next one via the pass through connectors on the Switch Control Boxes.
From each Switch Control Box the three control wires are connected to the individual Remote Switch Machines (#0052 or #0053).
I have several pairs of Remote Switch Machines that are activated from the same switch control box. One push throws both Remote Switch Machines simultaneously.
For these paired turnouts a single set of three control wires from the Switch Control Box are connected to the first Remote Switch Machine.
A second set of three wires are piggy-backed on the terminals from the first Remote Switch Machine to power the second Remote Switch Machine.
I also have several PECO #2 turnouts; some single some paired.
Because of the stiffness of the springs in the points extra amperage oomph is needed to throw the paired sets of Side Mounted Turnout Motors.
Once the C.D.U. discharges, continuing to depress the Switch Control Box button does not send more power to the Remote Switch Machine(s) or the Side Mounted Turnout Motors.
Only when the button is released on the Switch Control Box and depressed again is another pulse discharged from the C.D.U.s.
Because the pulses are momentary no damage to the twin-coil solenoid type Remote Switch Machines or Side Mounted Turnout Motors occur because the power is not continuous.
Hope this helps.