I have about (5) 022 switches that I cannot seem to get working. I want to use them with fixed voltage and controllers. They all work manually, but not automatically. How can I get them working again?? I think that the contacts might be bad or need some adjustment. How do I do that? Any help will be appreciated. And any websites that tell you the wiring schemes or how to fix them is okay. Thanks.
When in doubt go the the Library. Olsen's that is.
All the parts are there, just maybe I need to clean the contacts with something. The controllers work just fine. Just cannot get them to operate the swith mechanism. I wired them up correctly with fixed voltage. I will try to clean them up a bit. Thanks.
lionel2,
When you wired the switches with fixed voltage are you using the 'Fixed Voltage Plug' that comes one each switch, as shown in Olsen's Library which Dub alerted you to?
Ralph
Just today I reversed the mechanism on an 022. I jammed the pin when I placed them together.
So does the mechanism work without the rail section? Make sure the pin from the mechanism fits into the switch. I was so easy I thought I would mention it.
So does the mechanism work without the rail section?
If you're asking about bench testing a motor without attaching it to the switch, it's relatively simple.
You first need to connect power to the fixed voltage plug. You can either use a plug, or, even easier, just hook an alligator clip to the pin to which the plug attaches.
Then, touch a wire of the opposite polarity to either of the outer terminals of the three where the controller connects. Touching the wire to one terminal will throw the motor one way, touching it to the other terminal will throw it the other way. Touching a wire to the center terminal will light the lamp.
Yes, I was using the fixed voltage plug. The lamp lights up, but no action with switches when wired up to controller. Should I maybe adjust the contacts or clean them up?? thanks.
A few more questions for you. Are you testing these switches installed on your layout? If so, do all the switches have a common ground (return)? Seems odd that 5 switches all don't work. If you're not using a common ground, the switches will light, but will not throw. In other words, if you are using a seperate transformer for the switches, is the common post on that transformer connected to the common post on the layout transformer?
Yes, all my grounds a correct. I tried cleaning the contacts on one switch. That one now works. Its probably the samething with the other 4 switches. Just need to clean the contacts. thanks.
I have used an eraser to clean up the contact plates used for the points. Notice the thickness of these points and it will give an indication of use. Spring adjustment is critical,too little you get no contact too much and you will wear away those points. It is strange that 5 won't work. I bougt 9 junkers out of ebay and ,aside from surface rust they worked. Don't lose that little spring for the lock bar .The mechanism will slip when a train passes.
Check the connection with an ohm meter. Verify what you suspect.
Look into the 'Fixed Voltage Plug's port and see if there's a small copper metal contact tab, maybe they were removed, or else the contact tabs are bent to one side making the automatic feature inoperative?
If, there are metal contact tabs, their position should be to one side of center, of the port's opening, sometimes the contact tab's position might be squeezed to one side, or the other of the port and they need to be carefully repositioned. When the contact tab makes the proper internal contact, the switch operates manually when the controller lever is thrown.
Be very careful when repositioning the spring like contact tabs, because the contacts are delicate and they may, already, be slightly damaged, or become damaged from mishandling them.
The 'Fixed Voltage Plug', when used for automatic operation, seperates the contact tab from making internal contact on the one side of the port, allowing the auto. feature to function, without having to manually throw the controller's lever to change the switch's, frog's position.
At the external end of the plug is a screw for a wire to be connected and this wire is connected to an opposit swithch's plug's end, for auto. operation.
Opposite switches, from one another, must be hooked-up using the 'Fixed Voltage Plugs', for one switch to open, while the other closes, so that their non-derailing features operate during the auto. phase. The "Fixed Voltage Plug' may be connected directly to the transformer, or other items, as per the operating instructions.
You may already know this, but some other members may not, if they don't have the operating instructions.
I had a switch with it's contact tab pressed to one side, causing a malfunction, untill I repositioned the tab for it to operate proper and untill I bought and used the 'Fixed Voltage Plug', I used a slim, thin fiber board as an insulator to enable the auto. feature.
I hope this may help you.
Well, I did get them all working correctly. But, for my layout I need 2 more pairs of 022 switches. So I found a friend that has 2 pairs that are complete. So I purchased them from him for a low cost. I should get them by UPS sometime on friday. Or at the latest monday, because I dont think UPS delivers on saturdays. They are in excellent shape and have been gone through and are in perfect working order. These will be used on my Line #2, the track inside my main line. I got all my accessories wired up and all the lights and other switches done. Just need to connect 4 more switches, which already have the wires ready to attach them. Might have to wire up 3 more 022 controllers and 1 more fixed voltage tap. Then I can test everything. 022 switches are very needy things to have on a layout. Good thing I have about 12 pairs of them. Just a few extras as well. Thanks for the help.
I will be getting 2 more pairs on Friday via UPS. I cannot wait to get them all wired up. I am going to visit a local hobby shop on Monday to see what they have as far as postwar lionel. Thanks.
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