train engineer

[bumpah]

I recently purchased the aristo train engineer. I also have some remote USA turnouts. does the engineer operate these turnouts? or do I also need the switch accessories to make them work. thanks for your help.

[kstrong]

I believe you can via the accessory receiver. The A - E keys on the remote should control them. I'm not 100% sure how to go about setting that up, since it's been quite a while since I used them. If I'm reading the stuff on Aristo's web site correctly, each accessory receiver controls up to 5 switches.

Later,

K

[Greg Elmassian]

 You buy the right receiver, the one that does 5 switches, be careful there is another receiver with a very similar part number.

Unfortunately, even though there are 10 channels and 10 "tracks" the accessory receivers only work on channel 1 and track 1, so you have a maximum of 5 switches you can control, i.e. only one accessory receiver.

Keep this in mind before purchasing.

I have some information on my site on the various TE systems:

http://www.elmassian.com/trains-mainmenu-27/dcc-battery-rc-electronics-mainmenu-225/battery-power-remote-control-mainmenu-32/aristo-rc

 Regards, Greg

[bumpah]

greg

thanks a ton for your site and it's links, lots of good info. I already have the correct switch controll accessories. what was confusing me was, the word remote. I assumed this meant wireless. after tinkering around and inspecting the switch, I believe i'll be able to wire it into the TE accessory. I jumped the gun a bit instead of using my noggin. thanks again.

[cutlass12001]

I also have the USA Track and switches.  I am currently running the TE with a 10 amp power unit.  I tried to wire the accessory controllers to my switches.  The wiring harnesses for the switches had 3 wires running it, 2 for the track, 1 for the light.  I am not a wiring expert and had trouble wiring the two together to the accessory controllers.  Right now, I don't have any switches on my railroad.  Both Aristocraft and USA Trains could not help me to correct this.  If you can get this problem corrected, I sure would like to know how.

[bumpah]

I am still building, and hope to be up and running in a couple of weeks. the boss has more important things for me to do. I certainly will drop you a line if I figure it out.

[bumpah]

As promised, about figuring out the wiring of USA switches, all I've figured out is to put them back in the box until I do an indoor layout, or if I need a manual switch somewhere. After a few attemps, I think the best combonation is the long aristo switch, with the LGB motor. It seems to be working pretty well. and wiring couldn't be simpler. Now I'm debating wether I should seal the motor, to keep crap out, but I'm worried about condensation staying inside. Any thoughts?

[Greg Elmassian]

It's almost impossible to seal them completely to keep moisture out, best thing is to let it drain out the bottom. Many people using LGB motors say they open them up once a year to clean out bugs.

Trying to seal them can actually result in locking moisture in and causing more problems.

Regards, Greg

[ttrigg]

 

I disagree slightly with Greg.  He says sealing "can" lock in moisture and cause damage. I would have used the word "WILL".  They are designed to survive the elements, tamper with the design and you are asking for problems.