Reply to "MTH remote control box, in line with Z1000 transformer doesn't work. I wonder why?"

Adriatic posted:

It could be the switch. If you can remove it and make the same contacts wire to wire, in both configurations and it works, then the contacts in that switch are incompatible.  Usually it is point materials.   (Ive run into this with points blocking serial data after I replaced the relay with the "alternate". )

Another switch type or brand with brass to brass contacts should solve it if it IS a toggle internal contact point issue.

Also, every one in a whíle the pins of a switch are not in a normal arrangement. They do this to please big buyers at times.

There are usually numbers &/or letters next to each terminal that will match a tech sheet on the switch. Ideally you check with a meter, but expect to follow any numbers vs a diagram or map position.  Likely doesn't apply... just one of those "sometimes" notes.

thanks for the suggestions,

I will take your advice, and try to make up the two configurations with direct wiring, including the 3-way connections with the grounds. This should be simple enough to direct wire the red side directly to and from each controller.

Also, these switches did not come with any nomenclature on the pins. Simply some voltage info on the side of the block.

I ordered them from Mouser, and they are Carling switches, so I trusted them to be good, but maybe not. They weren't terribly expensive, so it is not that much of a loss.

Can you recommend any good switches?