I'm taking a foray into a strange world - HO and DC is odd enough, but these solenoids are going to drive me grey. I'm trying to fix up my dad's layout, but can't figure out why most of the switches aren't throwing. They all have Peco solenoids, and are controlled by those Atlas slide and push switches. What I'm seeing is that the ones that are working have 17VAC between what seem to be the input and output wires to ground, which drops to 0V on one of the outputs when actvated. On the ones that aren't working, inputs are both 17V, but both outputs are about 8~9V, and both drop near zero when the button is pressed. This all worked fine until it was left alone for a couple years, when about 70% of the turnouts wouldn't work and show the same symptoms. Any ideas what I should be looking for or where to start looking?
Hard to say. I'd completely disconnect one of the doubtful switch machines from the panel, connect its common wire directly to the power pack and briefly touch each switch machine contacts to the power pack. By doing this, you'll zero in on the machine itself without the existing power, control switch and wiring in the circuit.
Sounds like voltage loss through the switches. Check the rivets which transfer current. I have had them lose contact in other old Atlas components. However, I would do what Hardcoaler suggested first with at least one switch. I bet it will work connected directly to the power pack. Doug
I would check to make sure the turn points are free moving. If they are I would make sure slide is free on the solenoid is free moving. After setting a year or two they could have become stuck.
