I’m having an issue with 1 turnout and the diode matrix. Here’s a rough sketch of the area of the layout and the matrix table:
Click on image to enlarge
Now here’s the problem:
All turnouts except #2L are working correctly in the diode matrix. 2R throws correctly for the chosen route. However 2R does nothing (no click, no buzz, no nothing) when A and G routes are selected. When I desolder 2L-A & 2L-G and energize either of them directly the turnout throws. The diodes themselves have been checked and are oriented correctly and are functioning. I’m stumped! Help!
BTW: the turnout in question is a Peco and I am using a capacitor discharge unit
Did you make a type on there? According to the diagram and chart, routes A and G are 2L, and you said 2R isn’t working, which is routes B and C.
Do you have a capacitor discharge supply to run this? If not, it could be you are simply trying to throw too many switches at once, route A especially is a lot to throw at once. It could also be that #2 has one of the higher current Peco motors - somewhere along the line they changed to a lower current design to be more friendly with DCC stationary decoders. If possible, try swapping switch motors from one of the other turnouts and see if the problem moves.
Do the other turnouts on A and G throw when you select those routes? If th diodes check out the problem is either upstream or downstream - could be the switches or the wires fromt he switch tot he matrix - maybe a cold solder joint to that column of the matrix.
Sorry, that was a typo! I have corrected the post.
Yes, I am using a CD unit, there’s plenty of oompff to throw all the turnouts and all the other turnouts do throw. As a matter of fact, all other routes work perfectly.
The switch motors are all the same type (purchased at the same time). I have switched wires and diodes with no change.
The wire lead from 2L splits to go to the diodes at A and G. 2L doesn’t react at all, whether the leads are connected to the diode or the diode is bypassed and connected directly to the button, it’s like 2L and 2R or another turnout are crossed somewhere. Remember, if I disconnect 2L from the matrix and energize it directly fom the CD unit, it throws. This is what has me baffled!
Couple quick thoughts … the power from your CD supply - are you using it as common (-) or common (+) to the machines ? Also, what amp rating are your diodes - for reliability, they should be rated at least 1 amp. Diodes with a lower rating may overcome the PIV rating and cause back-feed or even burn out causing them to act like they aren’t even there.
