Skip to main content

Looking for some advice regarding Atlas O switches in terms of getting them to operate well. I have 10 switches and I am using the Lionel SC-2's to run them which means they should all have equal power supply (15 amps). The problem is that some are switching nicely and some are not switching completely. Should I be opening the ones not working well and cleaning or making some other adjustment. Don't think it is a power issue but guess I could have poor/loose connection on 1 or more. Is this a common problem, I don't run my railroad often but I do cover it to prevent dust.

 

John Henry

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Thanks to all above, I have 7 switches on one side of the layout and 3 on the other ,opposite side of the layout. It is the 3 on the one side that are not throwing completely. I thought it might be the signal because the SC-2's are on the side working well, but I stood next to the SC-2, and they still didn't work well. Also 2 of the 7 switches working well are on the same SC-2 controller as the 3 working poorly. I am inclined to think it is mechanical but I plan to wire a switch without the SC-2 to see how it operates. I will also check what you advised above, thanks for the quick responses.

 

John Henry

Originally Posted by John Henry:

Thanks to all above, I have 7 switches on one side of the layout and 3 on the other ,opposite side of the layout. It is the 3 on the one side that are not throwing completely. I thought it might be the signal because the SC-2's are on the side working well, but I stood next to the SC-2, and they still didn't work well. Also 2 of the 7 switches working well are on the same SC-2 controller as the 3 working poorly. I am inclined to think it is mechanical but I plan to wire a switch without the SC-2 to see how it operates. I will also check what you advised above, thanks for the quick responses.

 

John Henry

Is it a long way to the other side? Could you have a voltage drop due to increased distance? I just got some new Atlas-O switches and the instructions say they operate best on 16-18 volts AC. If it's small wiring and a long way, could be worth checking? I am not familiar with SC-2's as I don't have any.

It's a power issue. When I tried 13 vac (not 12 volts) none of the switches worked well. I was using 15 vac. When I go to 23 vac they all work. I am using a K line transformer with 3 red and 3 black connections where you can pick and choose your vac (volts alternating current ?) I am afraid I am getting volts, amps and vac mixed up. Help Dale. Manual syas SC- is rated for 15 amps and later says  it needs 7 to 20 vac to operate correctly. Now I need to understand the differences so my switches work and I don't burn anything up.

 

John Henry

Originally Posted by John Henry:

It's a power issue. When I tried 13 vac (not 12 volts) none of the switches worked well. I was using 15 vac. When I go to 23 vac they all work. I am using a K line transformer with 3 red and 3 black connections where you can pick and choose your vac (volts alternating current ?) I am afraid I am getting volts, amps and vac mixed up. Help Dale. Manual syas SC- is rated for 15 amps and later says  it needs 7 to 20 vac to operate correctly. Now I need to understand the differences so my switches work and I don't burn anything up.

 

John Henry

23 vac might be a little much, don't think I would exceed 18 vac as is stated in the manual. According to the manual the 15 vac is a little low, it listed 16 vac as the low end, range was 16-18 volts.

 

The 15 amp rating would be for the relay contacts in the SC. I would expect the 7-20 vac is what is required by the SC to operate the contacts (relay). The Atlas switches require no where near 15 amps. 15 amps is probably more than most people have at the track.

 

Since it's only 8 feet, distance is probably not a factor, the 15 volts probably was. At the 15 volts (too low already), could have been just far enough to drop it slightly and cause the problem. Especially if you had very small wire, smaller would cause more voltage drop.

Last edited by rtr12

I agree with comments about being careful not to overpower, so I will sort it out. In regard to the second note about DC, I'm not clear on this. The SC-2 manual says I can use the track power terminals for power if I'm using Command where I have set the volts at a constant 17-18. Remind me, are terminals A and D (which I use for track power) DC and terminals B and C which I use for lights and accessoies AC?

 

John Henry

Originally Posted by John Henry:

I agree with comments about being careful not to overpower, so I will sort it out. In regard to the second note about DC, I'm not clear on this. The SC-2 manual says I can use the track power terminals for power if I'm using Command where I have set the volts at a constant 17-18. Remind me, are terminals A and D (which I use for track power) DC and terminals B and C which I use for lights and accessoies AC?

 

John Henry

A Lionel ZW would be all AC, no DC. I am not familiar with the K-line, but would think it would be all AC as well.

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×