I will soon start to build a layout control board so that I may easily see switch placement and also be able to mount switches at the switch location to control them.
I am using both Atlas switches with the Atlas controls, and Tortoise Machines to control switches. All of the switches are wired to a Digitrax DS64 decoder. I want to switch all switches from the control board using one type, or if required two types of miniature toggle switches.
My questions are; What type of toggle switch (SPST, DPDT and/or any other designations needed) do I need to buy in order to operate both types of switches?
Also, where is the best place to get information on wiring them as I have never wired a switch like this. Any crossovers required or just straight wire to contact connections?
Thanks Georgep
If you are using the DS64 for all of your switches, you should be able to use the SPDT (single pole, double throw) type switches. They will connect to the DS64.
The DS64 manual shows the different wiring diagrams needed for each type. (Since you are asking this question, it appears that you haven't bothered to read the DS64 manual. DCC is not like building a plastic kit that you can put together by just looking at the pictures. Electronics is specific, and need s to be done specifically according to the instructions or you are going to have major trouble from the very beginning.)
Wiring is different for the two types of machines (Atlas and Tortoise) if you are not using the DS64.
If you don't have a multimeter that measures AC volts and current, DC volts and current, and resistance or Ohms, get one as you will need it. With it you can also test the switches to see how they work so you can wire them up correctly.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I took your advice. I read the DS64 manal a little more thoroughly than I did the first time. And I have been through it about 20 times since. Although, I have to say this layout has been up and running for several years with no problems electrically, until now. The new switch board turned out to be too big so I have to do yet another one.
I am using Digitrax equipment DCS50 Zepher and DS64 turnout control. Windows Vista and RR circuits. I have a BDL-4 block detector, but do not now understand the directions and cannot figure out why it is not working properly (or is). I am using JMRI also, but have limited knowledge in its' use. I am slowly trying to get better acquainted with it.
Here is at least one question. I have set up 10 DS64's for turnout control and most of them are working using remote panel switches. Two in particular may not be working properly or at least things happen that I do not understand. One Atlas snap switch constantly clicks about every second or two. I do not know why. All of my decoders are set properly for either Atlas or Tortoise turnout motors. So can you tell me why this one keeps clicking? the eleventh DS64 is dedicated to the BDL-4 block detector. All but two of the DS64's are connected to a 4 amp DC power supply. I remove one of the DS64 decoders because I had trouble with it. The one I sent in to Digitrax. So I have one DS64 on a separate PS14 power supply and the Block Dectector DS64 decoder is also on a separate PS14 power supply. All 9 others are on the 5 amp power supply.
Another problem. I have just sent in a DS64 decoder to Digitrax to have repaired. I could not get one of the turnouts to change direction at all for some reason. It could be the wiring, but I am not an electrician. Can you tell me (I have read the instructions for the DS64) which wires go where from the panel switch (left right center for a SPDT switch from the DS64? And the center switch terminal? I am at least sure that the wires from the panel switch to the DS64 go to the input group of terminals. If the output wires from the DS64 go to the turnout motor, I am supposed to attach the common wires to the common terminal on the DS64 input. right? I am confused and Digitrax assumes you know all about wiring or you would't be ordering this device from them. Wrong. My confusion comes with the center panel switch terminal and the common wire that attaches to the DS64. I think I have something flipped instead of where it should be.
Another problem. I have two tortoise turnout motors that when switched from the panel switches, move very slowly to the new position. I cannot really tell if they change, but they might. But it is at least a half power move. Or something has been changed. But I did a reset on this DS64, and it will still not change the one turnout, and the two others are at half power. I am hoping something was burnt out and Digitrax will replace the defective parts, but I do not know yet.
Any help with all this will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
George