I was thinking of using the Atlas under the table switch machines (due to expense) for the few I need to control remotely. Can I use simple DTDP (?) switches atached to a DC powerpack to contol the switch machines?
Short answer - Yes.
Longer answer - You’d be better off driving the ever-so-delicate-coil in the atlas with AC rather than DC if you’ve got it available on a power pack somewhere.
“SPDT” - “Single pole, double throw” AND sprung to “center off” is the switch type you’ll need, and it would be best if it was also of the “momentary contact” type - That way even a heavy handed operator has trouble burning out the coil. (Peco do a nice one btw.)
If you want to throw more than one with a ‘single button press’ you’re also going to need some kind of capacitive discharge unit in order to supply the (brief) jolt of high current necesary to throw these suckers.
“Quick and easy switches?” - I dunno - I started here and eventually arrived at the Tortoise…
No you can’t use dpdt or spst toggles. these turnout controls are momentary contact coils so a toggle would burn them up
You must use momentary contact switches either toggle os atlas turnout control swicthes for ease of use. never conect them to a doudle through or single through toggle.
How about a push button for each route off the turnout?
as long as they are momentary contact push buttons . if you can find illuminated push buttons they’d look great on a control panel and would give a visual indication of the way the turnout is thrown
I have been using the Radio Shack pushbutton number 275-1547 Mom. Normally open. These come in a 4pack usually with 2 red and 2 black buttons. I put these in a track plan type control panel
Mike Dickinson
MichaelWD, how do you wire them? With a common ground and one “hot” lead from the red button to one side of switch and the “hot” lead from the black button to the other side?
Sounds pretty simple to me if that’s how it works.
The Atlas under-the-table machines have a short rod to connect them to the turnout. It’s only about an inch long, so it will work with 3/4 inch plywood, but not with 2-inch foam. Also, the Atlas machines can not be operated manually from above - you must throw them electrically.
Can you change-out the 1-inch wire for a longer piece of piano wire? I have 3/4 inch foam atop 1/2 inch plywood.
Not very easy they are glued in place. got the same #66 and having the same problem. we are going with a stationary decoder designed for that type of switch. We also have the tortise and if they where not so expensive that is alll we would use but at $45.00 each (tortise and hare) times 120 turnouts a little much on the budget.
What if you used the atlas snap switch connected to a piano wire under the table that extends through and activates the turnout via a twisting motion. two bends in the wire with maybe a sleeve. all you woujld see above the table is a small (1/2") wire connected to the throwbar.