hello all first of im into ho scale an am using Lenz DCC Set 90 my question is i have alot of atlas swicht machine the ones that go on top of table i wanna know if there is a way i can use them but i wanna power them with my dcc i have this that i was going to use with dc but not no more an pic of the switch machine i wanna power with dcc any help would be appreciate thanks in addvance
Many options, what you want in a generic sense is a DCC Accessory Decoder that can drive twin-coil switch machines. They are available from many different manufacturers. Lenz has the LS-150 that will do what you want, pretty simple and relatively inexpensive. The three wires fromt he switch motor go to the LS-150 just like they used to go to the Atlas pushbuttons (before isntallign that indicator circuit).
–Randy
kool so all i need is the LS-150 also does that control all or i need one for everyone i use
According to thier PDF file, it will control up to 6 independent turnouts:
The DIGITAL plus LS150 turnout decoder provides cost effective turnout control for
up to 6 independent turnouts.
~Suitable for twin-coil snap action switch machines
~Suitable for motorized switch machines
~High current provision to support Peco and Atlas switch machines
~The 6 turnout addresses can be sequential or up to 6 user selected addresses.
~Control using separate push-buttons possible.
~Configuring the LS150 does not require a separate programming track and the parameters can be changed at any time in the future even after installation.
Hope that helps.
Oh, here is the link:
http://www.lenzusa.com/1newsite1/Manuals/LS150.pdf
[8-|]
Before you invest in any hardware, take a look at the manual and read the section on using your LH90 throttle for controlling turnouts. With the throttle in your hand, just go through the button sequences needed to control a turnout. Then, ask yourself is that’s what you want to do each and every time you need to throw a turnout.
Although DCC has the capability to control turnouts, most of us who use DCC don’t use that feature. I’ve got all my turnouts controlled by toggle switches on schematic panels, just like I did as a teenager with DC, 50 years ago. For me, it’s a simpler and more intuitive approach.
MisterBeasley thats what i wanna do but i wanna use power from my dcc an not use a dc power i do have the atlas tcu which i think is the same as the lenx lv150 but i wanna use the pwoer from my dcc to power everything n not throw another cable for dc thats a big headache an i have been there i forgot to mention i also want to add leds to the layout indicating were the turnout is located you know green for straight an red for the curve thanks guys
oops i ment the ls150 an i wrote the lv150 sorry
You really, really don’t want to use your DCC power for turnouts. You will find universal agreement on this. Your DCC power is very limited, and using it for turnouts, lighting or other purposes is a mistake. Turnout power is very “bursty,” and requires a big chunk of power for a short time. When you call for that, anything else on that power supply will be momentarily starved. That’s not what you want for your locomotives.
I’m confused myself about the Atlas unit. It looks like the Lenz one, but the text says it has only 2 outputs, not 6 like the Lenz. Since it’s a bit cheaper, it might be a “crippled” version of the Lenz unit. The Atlas unit is about $25 per output, while the Lenz one is under $12 per output.
If you look at the description of the LS-150 at Tony’s Trains, http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/sta_dec_comparison_ls150.htm
you will note that it requires an AC power source, and that CAN NOT be from the DCC system. So, you would need a separate power supply regardless. I think all the other stationary decoders are similar.
I’m still confused about what you really want to do, though. Is the object to control your turnouts with the DCC throttle, or is it to avoid using a separate power supply for your turnouts?
It sounds like the OP wants to power everything from his DCC unit. As Mister Beasley has pointed out this is not a good idea. It may be “easier to do” but not the smartest. Running a separate DC system isn’t that hard and allows for more flexibility…
Joe
joe thats what i wanted to do but then again if ya say thats not good then so be it i think ill do the old way i dont wanna go an mess with my trains or anything else to much invested in this hobby so i think ill stick with the old ways like i have done before
thanks everyone
To add LEDs with Atlas switch mashines will be a whole other ball of wax. You need a circuit similar ot the one you posted for usign the pushbuttons. You could always switch to Tortise switch motors, then LEDs are tricial - you just put them in series with the motor. And use the even cheaper per turnout Switch8 from NCE. Ot the SwitchIt, which controls two Tortoises, but also allows you to have pushbuttons for when you get tired of going through the menus on the handheld every time you want ot change direction - and you will.
–Randy