I am thinnking everybody should have at minimum a VOM. Its an invaluable tool to have around the house and especially around a model railroad. I would begin by testing for continuity through the switches (electricthat is) and then checking for voltage at each step. Its simple logic and following the path will lead to the solution. I cannot count the number of times a month its hauled out for everything from trailer lights, household repairs, railroad, dead batteries the list is just endless.
I’ve always tested “stuff” in any category(in or out of the hobby) before installing it. the time I’ve wasted testing is about equal to the time later spent troubleshooting problems but there’s so much less aggrevation that I feel it is a net gain. No cussing at turnouts, Christmas lights, etc. My only reccommendation on VOMs is make sure that you get one that tests AC. There are a few that don’t and they’ve shown up in all price ranges. A digital, pocket unit with continuity tone is what I personally use. One really odd unit we sold back at the Shack was only rated up to 50 volts AC but it was one of the higher priced. Fine for the model RR, but useless in other home applications.
As always, read the instrux before messing with it. Better units have fuses internally and on rare occaisions the fuse might be dislodged in shipping. If you really want to go with a higher end VOM, ask to look at the manual BEFORE you buy it. Most of the Shackies are only trained in selling cellphones and couldn’t tell the difference between an F connector and a phono plug.
This baby will throw those Atlas Snap switches with no quibble,
I’m running a small layout of 4 x 8 ft. ( HO ) with only four Atlas Snap switches ( code 83 ), run this DS-64 off a Zephyr useing the Zephyrs “Switch” button and then select #1 thru #4 turnout…SNAP…no probs. Useing 20 gauge stranded wire.
Thats exactly the way I have mine set up. I still think the little nothing power pack arn’t giving them enought jolt.
DON
The tiniest power pack will throw one at a time, or at least buzz a little, so you know te wiring is there.
No and yes.
The tiniest power pack will not always throw one at a time. But yes, you will probably get a buzz.