Hello, I currently have Atlas snap switch machines for my turnouts on my railroad. I do not like the original switch controller for these turnouts and was recomended to try Minitronics Momentary DPDT 6 pin switches... Problem is, I am not sure exactly which pins are positve, negative or ground...
Can these be wired in succession like the original Atlas switch machines, or should I terminal block the power and distribute to each switch independantly? If anyone has done this before, I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Any wiring diagrams would be very heplful as I am a visual kind of learner. Below are picyures of the switch in question....
20190318_230329 by John Collins, on Flickr
20190318_230359 by John Collins, on Flickr
20190318_230351 by John Collins, on Flickr
Thank you to anyone willing to help.
John Collins
Also, I forgot to ask if it is possible to wire my red/green line side signals to the toggles to indicate the throw position on the turnout? Again, any help is greatly appreciated. Cheers!
Hi,
Try it like this:
Atlas-Wire by Edmund, on Flickr
irishRRProblem is, I am not sure exactly which pins are positve, negative or ground...
There really isnt a "positive-negative or ground" You have to picture in your mind what happens inside the switch, The center pin is common to each row. When you move the lever the center pin will "make" either of the upper or lower pair of pins.
AC generally works better for the twin coil machines so there isnt a positive or negative. The green in my diagram will carry one side of the circuit from the AC terminal on your power supply. The blue from the other AC terminal to the middle common on your switch (You have a two-pole switch, you will be using only one "pole" or side) then either of the two other wires to the outer two screws of the three on the Atlas switch machine. If it flips the wrong way just reverse these two wires.
irishRRAlso, I forgot to ask if it is possible to wire my red/green line side signals to the toggles to indicate the throw position on the turnout?
You would have the best results for signals or panel lights to use an Atlas #200 Snap-Relay to power those. There are good instructions on how to wire lights that are included with the relay. The Snap relay is basically the same configuration you have with your toggle switch, only not momentary but "thrown" by the same wiring that "throws" your track turnout. It would mimic the turnout switch machine and give you the extra contacts needed for lights or powering the frog if that were ever necessary on your layout.
irishRRCan these be wired in succession like the original Atlas switch machines, or should I terminal block the power and distribute to each switch independantly?
They can be wired "daisy-chain" style but the best route would be to use terminal strips. The Atlas buttons have the advantage of being "modular" so you can easily snap more together.
If you have a situation, say a crossover or yard ladder where you need several switch machines to function at once, the extra current needed may require a CD or Capacitor Discharge power supply. This gives an added initial boost to the current then quickly fades away so if you hold the switch too long the coils do not overheat.
Hope that helps, Ed
Info for Atlas Snap Relay:
Photos may be clicked on for a larger view, easier to read.
Take Care!
Frank