Controlling Atlas O switches

Atlas makes a non-derailing board, it may be worth checking it out, as it also has outputs for indicators.

http://www.atlaso.com/ononderail.htm

I would say if you are using DZ1000 machines, get the Z Stuff add on for lighting purposes, and the non-derailing feature like the DZ wiring diagram describes to wire the turnouts. if you were using the Atlas machines, then I would use the Atlas Relay for

non-derailing.  DZ 1000 machines come with lighted buttons. 

I wired all mine with Lionel ASC's for Cab 2 Control of the turnouts. 

With Command, a control panel is not really necessary.

Try contacting Ingeniero No1 here on the forum. He might be of some help to you with these switches.

Here are some good threads on Atlas-O switch wiring. Wiring diagrams are included in the threads. Lots of info on wiring the #6924 non-derail boards that do a lot more than just non-derail functions.

Atlas also makes the snap relay for switch position indication. It is just a latching relay that switches with the Atlas switch machines. If the switch gets hung up it is possible for the snap relay to get out of sync with the actual position of the switch rails.

The problem with the Atlas Switch machines its when you hold the switch button in too long, or hold the toggle in the activate switch position too long. It burns up the switch motors. They are meant for momentary contact operation only, a maintained contact will burn them out.

Wiring an Atlas 6924 N-D Board w/ #57 Switch Control

Atlas turnouts & 6924 circuit board questions

Throwing Atlas switch machines using a toggle switch

All I have is Atlas-O stuff, don't have any DZ-1000's. I do know the DZ-1000's operate differently than the Atlas switch machines.

Hello Mike!

This is what Roger was referring to in his post, above:

Non-Contact Detectors

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Alex

Great information here........I have switched over to DZ1000s for my Atlas switches.... the next step for me is to make them non-derailing.

Thank you.....great ideas.

Peter

I also plan on slowly migrating mt Atlas O turnouts to DZ1000 switch machines as the motors burn out. With the aid of the DZ1008 relay I am going to figure out how to make the turnout non-derailing and also power a dwarf signal at the turnout to tell me what position the turnout is in (I use momentary toggle switches on my control board).

any new turnout I need I am going to Ross Custom Switches.

In the meantime you can wire a 1N4001 diode in series with the power line to the Atlas switch motor. The diode cuts the sine wave in half so helps protect the motor from burnout. So far I have not had any switch motor burnouts since doing this.

Joe

If you haven't seen it, you might want to check out Alex's device here, it looks really nice, easy to install and works really well. Very impressive and indicates the position of the turnout points, not just the switch machine. He has them for both Atlas and Ross switches. Won't help you with the non-derail though.

Non-contact, turnout points TRUE position detector