Problem with DZ 2500 switch machine

Yes. I had the same problem. I called Dennis Zander and I had to send him the switch machine. I believe he reprogrammed it and it's been fine ever since.

You might want to check the "inside" rails where the two tracks come together.  There usually is a spike on each rail, those spikes will cause the switch to operate when it is not suppose too.  Suggest remove the offending spike and put some insulating material at the junction point.  (Glue, compound, modeling clay, etc.)

I had done that before I put it down.  Even after I disconnected the the green and yellow wires from the pieces of track, it was still doing it.  I would not think that even if those were touching, that should make a difference if those wires are not being used.

It certainly will.  Essentially those wires are an extension of the electrical circuit that those sections of the switch represent.  IF there is a short (spike touching both track segments) it will activate the switch motor.  Especially common with the 3-way switch.

Don(Cerritos) posted:

It certainly will.  Essentially those wires are an extension of the electrical circuit that those sections of the switch represent.  IF there is a short (spike touching both track segments) it will activate the switch motor.  Especially common with the 3-way switch.

This is incorrect.  By disconnecting the yellow and green wires, the rails no longer have a connection to the switch machine and the non-derailing feature is disabled.  The ground connection must go through those wires to trigger the switch to throw.

Call Dennis.  He will reprogram the switch machine and send it back.  I only had to pay the postage to send it to him.

Don(Cerritos) posted:

It certainly will.  Essentially those wires are an extension of the electrical circuit that those sections of the switch represent.  IF there is a short (spike touching both track segments) it will activate the switch motor.  Especially common with the 3-way switch.

How can that be.  The switch machine is not connected to anything related to the switch?  The machine is only connected to power and ground.  I even took it physically off the switch, now it is a foot away from the switch and it still does it.

Tony H posted:

Don(Cerritos) posted:

It certainly will.  Essentially those wires are an extension of the electrical circuit that those sections of the switch represent.  IF there is a short (spike touching both track segments) it will activate the switch motor.  Especially common with the 3-way switch.

How can that be.  The switch machine is not connected to anything related to the switch?  The machine is only connected to power and ground.  I even took it physically off the switch, now it is a foot away from the switch and it still does it.

The DZ2500's are the least reliable thing on our layout. Have some that work normally and then suddenly either won't throw all the way or throw and return half way in a split second. Very frustrating.

I apologize, what was I thinking?  I need to go back to my layout and change the switch mechanics so it is consistent with the OGR forum experts.  It currently should not be functioning correctly.  I would not want to further contaminate the sanctity of this group with the benefit of a diode inserted on the non-derail lead wires of older switch motors.   As a matter of fact I think I will purchase a few more of the switch motors since they are destined for immediate failure, 30 switches operating for 4.5 years?  Must be a dream I'm having.  Never to late to learn, will definitely keep any further comments to myself, after all this is THE OGR Forum, nothing more needs to be said, please feel free to have the last word.