Under table switch machines

[Anonymous]

My layout is DCC powered. I am going to use Atlas Code 83 custom turnouts, under table switch machines, and relays (to power the frog). The switch machines WILL be powered by a separate transformer. Question..Do I hook up the switch machine and relay acording to the instructions? (The relay must be connected to each rail, but with the DCC powering the rails, will this harm the relays??? Thanks, PJ

[Anonymous]

My layout is DCC powered. I am going to use Atlas Code 83 custom turnouts, under table switch machines, and relays (to power the frog). The switch machines WILL be powered by a separate transformer. Question..Do I hook up the switch machine and relay acording to the instructions? (The relay must be connected to each rail, but with the DCC powering the rails, will this harm the relays??? Thanks, PJ

[Anonymous]

Shouldn't be a problem. 3 tips:
1/ Use a continuity tester to confirm that the frog polarity is correct (i.e. frog power is routed to appropriate rail) BEFORE turning on DCC power.
2/ For extra protection wire an 1156 taillight bulb in series with the frog wire.
3/ If you use DC power for the machines, you can wire a bi-color 2-wire LED in series with one of the motor leads (no resistor necessary) and get a handy display of direction...
HTH,
John

[Anonymous]

Shouldn't be a problem. 3 tips:
1/ Use a continuity tester to confirm that the frog polarity is correct (i.e. frog power is routed to appropriate rail) BEFORE turning on DCC power.
2/ For extra protection wire an 1156 taillight bulb in series with the frog wire.
3/ If you use DC power for the machines, you can wire a bi-color 2-wire LED in series with one of the motor leads (no resistor necessary) and get a handy display of direction...
HTH,
John

[BR60103]

PJ: the DCC power will be going through the relay contacts, not the coils, so there should be no problem.

[BR60103]

PJ: the DCC power will be going through the relay contacts, not the coils, so there should be no problem.