I am new to the model railroading hobby and I started with the prodigy Advance DCC system which has 14.5 volts of output to power my HO layout. However, when I hook the power to the Atlas snap switch, the turnout does not work. I’ve checked the wires and it is wired correctly. I put a test light on the conections and it lights when the button is pushed. What could be the problem? I also tried it on a second switch.
hmmm, first, I believe the current should be at most 12 volts.
Not sure, sorry I can’t be of more help. (I don’t even have DCC)
OK Are you just adding power to the swith machine, or are you going through a a stationary decoder or switch control box?
James
I am going through the control that came with the switch
OK. Then that leads me to ask the question. Are you powering the control from the Prodigy system or AC terminals from a power pack?
James
You do not want to power the switch machines from your DCC power source. An Atlas switch motor cane suck up to 6 amps of power just to throw a single switch! Use an old DC type power pack - either the fixed AC or DC terminal should work. If you are running DC or DCC, it is a good idea to keep the accesories off of the train power!
Assuming you have it wired correctly, when you slide the small button to one side and ‘press’ it, does the switch machine ‘buzz’ at least?
Jim
Atlas Snap relays will handle up to 16 volts AC Or DC. From what you are discribing, i believe you are trying to power your relays with you DCC system. If you do this without a turnout decoder it will not function. I am in the proccess of doing this and use a seprate ac power source to power my relays. DCC is great, in time I hope to install all the turnout decoders to control routing. So if you do have turnout decoders read the instalation guide. Or go to the product manfatures site and trouble shoot it.