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I have had problems over the years with Lionel switches chattering.  Almost always involved a missing insulating pin.  This time, I have a pair of aross switches with Zstuff switch machines which are wired together, one clockwise, one counterclockwise, both are wired to one relay on an SCII.  When I throw the pair, they chatter like crazy. When I release the cab1 button theusually both stop in the correct positions, but ,I guess due to the chattering, one or both will not throw completely.  I have checked all the non-derailing joints and don't find any problem.  What should I do next?

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I'm not familiar with the Zstuff switch machines, but could it be due to low voltage? Could the voltage be increased any without hurting the switch machines? (Unless you are already at maximum voltage that is.)

 

If the switch is a long way from the power source and small gauge wire was used, I suppose that could be a problem. Not sure how far you would have to go to have enough voltage drop to matter though?

 

One other thing would be the voltage operating the SCII relay, could that be low? Sorry, but I am not familiar with those either, most of my stuff is MTH.

Last edited by rtr12

I have had that happen to a few of my Ross switches occasionally.  It's always been the non-derailing joints.  Although I inspected one very carefully and it seemed to be okay visually, I later found a small sliver of track or plating when I cleaned it with a q-tip and alcohol that was causing the bridge.

 

I also corrected a few of them by wedging a flat bladed screwdriver between the joints and slightly separating the rails.  They will slide on the ties.  Otherwise, I don't have any other ideas.  Just confirm throughout both switches that what is supposed to be powered is, and what is supposed to be ground is, and double check all continuity, which you have probably already done.  Good luck.

 

Mike

I assume you have DZ-1000 switch machines. How do you have the SC-2 powered?

How is the switch machine wired?

 

I ask, because connecting the DZ-1000 is similar to operating a FasTrack switch. The configuration works best with these machines when the SC-2 is powered by a separate transformer than the track power transformer or use the included wall wart.

 

If it's not the frogs or the isolated joints being too close, try that. Also, Mike Reagan's video at 8:46 shows the common from The DZ-1000 going to track common and not the relay common. 

Last edited by Moonman
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