Does anyone know what the neutral wire is on an Atlas snap switch machine. I am changing to DCC and need to know for wiring a stationary decoder. The wires are green, black and red. The black is in the middle but I don't want to assume that it is the neutral.
Atlas snap switches
- Thread starter SR39
- Start date
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Turn outs
Your turn outs will all work with the Black neutral. I have to warn you and others that have had a scary experiance with Atlas turn outs, for some reason when closing two to the turn outs they melted, without warning two more melted. My layout is abut 1 1/2 years old, I pulled the motors and talked to my dealer, he had no answer and said to call Atlas, I did and they wanted the turn out, so Isent then to them. I just recieved new onew with no explanation to what happen. I beieve the switches stuck open when moving from one side to the other causing a reverse flow of current and a short, other then that I have never had any problems with Atlas turnout on my N scale and HO scale layouts. If someone has a answer, tell me.
mjm
Your turn outs will all work with the Black neutral. I have to warn you and others that have had a scary experiance with Atlas turn outs, for some reason when closing two to the turn outs they melted, without warning two more melted. My layout is abut 1 1/2 years old, I pulled the motors and talked to my dealer, he had no answer and said to call Atlas, I did and they wanted the turn out, so Isent then to them. I just recieved new onew with no explanation to what happen. I beieve the switches stuck open when moving from one side to the other causing a reverse flow of current and a short, other then that I have never had any problems with Atlas turnout on my N scale and HO scale layouts. If someone has a answer, tell me.
mjm
Your turn outs will all work with the Black neutral. I have to warn you and others that have had a scary experiance with Atlas turn outs, for some reason when closing two to the turn outs they melted, without warning two more melted. My layout is abut 1 1/2 years old, I pulled the motors and talked to my dealer, he had no answer and said to call Atlas, I did and they wanted the turn out, so Isent then to them. I just recieved new onew with no explanation to what happen. I beieve the switches stuck open when moving from one side to the other causing a reverse flow of current and a short, other then that I have never had any problems with Atlas turnout on my N scale and HO scale layouts. If someone has a answer, tell me.
mjm
The usual failure mode for Atlas switch machines is a sticking button on the controller - Atlas controllers are known for this. The switch machines can only tolerate the current being on for a second or so - then they start to melt.
Failure is more likely with a marginal power supply and/or trying to throw 2 turnouts simultaneously. The power supply can't give quite enough current/voltage to snap the switch machine(s) over, so the buttons are held down slightly longer than they should be to get the turnout thrown completely.
The solution is to install a Capacitive Discharge Unit (CDU). A CDU provides a big jolt of energy to the switch machine from a charged capacitor that allows the switch machine to "snap" over. The jolt tapers off very quickly as the capacitor discharges, protecting the switch machine from overheating. The CDU recharges in a second or two, and then is ready to throw another turnout. Most CDUs will easily throw several switch machines at once. A CDU is very similar to the electronic flash unit in your camera.
Circuits for building your own CDU can be found here - http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CDPSU.html - and elsewhere on the web. A CDU is a particularly simple electronics project, but you can also buy commercial units from Circuitron.
hope this helps
Atlas turnouts
Hey thank you for your help, as I said, Atlas replaced the turn outs, and I do believe you are right.
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, this is all new to me, I can do about anything with the trains, but to find where I was here, I'm lost.
mjm
Hey thank you for your help, as I said, Atlas replaced the turn outs, and I do believe you are right.
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, this is all new to me, I can do about anything with the trains, but to find where I was here, I'm lost.
mjm