Finally installed my code 83 peco turnouts with peco switch motors. I mounted the motors directly most of the turnouts by cutting out the table top and aligned the others according to the instructions buy drilling 3/8 hole to fit pin through the track. My problem is that 3 of the 12 work okay but the others work one way and get stuck coming back, I have them hooked up to mini monentaries and am supplying 18 volts a/c. It sounds like they want to come back but get stuck. I’ve tried repositioning all of them, tacking them down and not tacking the track down but nothing works, Any help would be appreciated. thanks /tony
It sounds like you need a capacitive discharge circuit. This is a common problem with Peco turnouts and switch machines. Atlas machines, the other common twin-coil machines, are much “softer” and easier to throw. The Peco twin-coils are fine by themselves, but the turnouts have springs in them to hold the points firmly against the rails. The additional “kick” required to get the points thrown against the springs is probably what’s causing your problem. I had a similar issue, and building a capacitive discharge circuit did the trick.
You could test this theory by removing the switch machine from the turnout, and seeing if it throws both ways when disconnected. If it does, then there should be a CD circuit in your future. If it doesn’t work when disconnected from the turnout, then it’s wired wrong.
A CD circuit is a very simple project, by the way. Google for something like “capacitive discharge circuit model railroad” and you will find one. What you will need is a diode bridge rectifier (since you’re using AC), two resistors and two capacitors, all available at Radio Shack for a few dollars total. There a more complex circuits that recharge faster, or have indicator lights, but that’s the basic one.
A CD circuit also has the advantage of protecting the switch machines in case a pushbutton gets stuck. Once the “big kick” is applied, the current flow trails off rapidly so it won’t burn out the motor if the button sticks.
If you don’t want to build one, you can buy a CD circuit for about $30 at your LHS or online. It’s such an easy one, though, that it seems a shame to spend that when you could build it yourself for $5.
There isn’t much more to add to what Mr. B said, he’s more familiar with Peco switch machines than I, but if you haven’t burned the coils out already, take you pick of do it yourself Capacitor Discharge diagrams.
Test the coils with an ohm meter to see if they are still good.
It is also important to use at least 18 gauge wire, especially over long runs and when more than one switch machine is connected to the same circuit. Twin coil switch machines require a bit of amperage for only a millisecond. About 2 amps and 16 to 22 volts. All Electronics has inexpensive power supplies.
Let us know if it works or not.
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The reason of why this happens so,has to do with motor.It`s just simple to weak to make sure by switching the tounge of turnouts.If not least,also caused by of metalspring on the tounge that make sure to switching over next.Peco has never take care of to change the troublemaking!
agge [8D]
The Peco spring is a good thing, holds the rail tight against the stock rail.
Ken.
I agree with you,but motor are sometimes to weak for the spring.
agge
Ken and agge: I think you are both right [:D] The motor needs a CD unit to really work well . The spring holds the points against the stock rail for electrical contact. (And all my HO turnouts worked fine with the CD, and the spring. ) Now I’m in N, and that’s a different experience. In some cases I’ve had to remove the spring. In other cases, mainly handthrown turnouts, I’ve had to surgically alter the turnouts so that there is power supplied to the points rail from the stock rail by hardwiring. On Electrofrog turnouts the necessary surgery is extensive. In my opinion worth the effort, but I wish I had made the modifications BEFORE laying the things! [:(] However, I didn’t know I was going to run into this trouble, and as I say, it was mainly the handthrown turnouts that had this problem. I find the motor holds the points rails quite effectively, and the spring can be a nuisance. [2c]