An older section of my layout (remote staging yard) uses Atlas Snap Switches connected to the bus. I’m currently using an MRC Command 2000 and they work fine. I plan to upgrade to one of the current top line DCC systems and wonder if there would be any problem with these switches going forward.
You don’t want to power them from the DCC bus - I can’t imagine how this actually works with a Command 2000 system, there has to be some effect on running trains when you operate one. If you want to control them with DCC you will need a stationary decoder capable of operating twin coil switch machines. There are many choices.
–Randy
Explain what you mean by having those Atlas Snap-Switches ‘connected to the bus’. If you mean the track power bus, then there should be no problem. I hope you are not trying to run the switch machines off if the DCC power bus!
Atlas Snap-Switches would be the last turnout I would want in a remote hidden staging area. The sharp 18" radius curves and plastic frogs would bother me. My staging has Atlas Custom-Line #6 turnouts with Tortoise motors for moving the points. I wanted ‘smooth’ operation when trains go in/out of staging.
Jim Bernier
As the others have said, it is a bit confusing what you are asking. I assume that you mean simply that the track segments containing with these turnouts is powered by the bus. If that is a true assumption, then it should not matter what DCC system is supplying the power.
As the others have noted, any problems these turnouts might have (plastic frogs, tight radius, just being old and worn out) is not an issue of any DCC control system. On the other hand if you are somehow using the DCC power bus to power or control the turnouts my comments are totally out of line.
There seems to be a trend in the DCC world to invent problems were none exist.
Yes, the power bus, not the DCC trackbus. They are #4 Customline, but use the Atlas switch machine. If I replace them it will be down the list of modifications, but thus far I’ve had little problem with them. I’ve learned to go slow and if the rolling stock is in gauge, nothing seems to jump off track.
just wanted to make sure I could bridge the gap until I get a new DCC system.
My layout had nothign but #4 and #6 custom-line (Code 83 versions) turnouts and I never had any problems. Didn;t even bother powering the frogs. I did use Tortoises instead of the Atlas motors, but the track part was exactly the same.
–Randy
The snap switches should be fine for use with DCC. If your equipment traverses them ok on DC, DCC should be ok too.
The switch machines should NOT be powered by the DCC booster. Instead, use one of your existing DC (or even AC) powerpacks to power the switch machines, just like they are now on your DC system.
Jim