Need some help with electrical switches ex...

MrCONRAIL&BNSF Jan 11, 2011

  1. MrCONRAIL&BNSF

    MrCONRAIL&BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    Hey guys, for my layout I'm using marklin electric turn outs. I'm up to my train yard, and am doing a module type yard where I can attach it to my lay out. I have about 8 turn outs and a double slip switch in my yard that I plan on building.

    I see this metal piece that comes with the marklin switch packages, what is this exactly used for? do I have to individually connect every switch track to my transformer and switch block? there must be an easier way to do this.

    I also bought brown yellow red extension wires for my switches incase I have to go a longer distance than the stock wire. Do you guys know what colors attach to the blue and yellow stock wires?

    Electricity is my biggest flaw with Z scale or any trains of that matter so if anyone has pictures of there marklin wires and electric set ups that would be great. Any help would be really appreciative. If you guys can seriously help me I'll be willing to send a few of you a train or structure of your choice on the house. Thanks guys!
     
  2. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    Been a long time since I used their turnouts. Take a look at the folder paper instructions in the box.
    In general (don't know the colors), the middle wire is common. USe the flat cable as a reference. The 'left' and 'right' wires are the ones that connect to the pushbuttons. So the center wire of the flat three goes to either Accessory terminal(the AC or sine-wave symbol). The common wire on the pushbutton block goes to the other Accessory terminal. Polarity on the Accessory terminals does not exist. Either is either, it'ss AC (Alternateing Current). I think the pushbutton blocks have the commons on the ends so they can be stacked side by side with one common connection to the Accessory terminal.
    May be some examples in the Märklin catalog too.
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  3. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Can you take a picture of the metal. I dont know any metal that comes seperately from the swich. The switch comes with 3 plugs. This is use to connect to the controller. you connect the two blue wires to the controller, and you connect one of the ac wires to the controller. Then you connect the yellow wire to the other ac wire, and that completes your circuit.
     
  4. zmaner

    zmaner TrainBoard Member

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    Why don't you hire Jeff to help you figure it out and fly him out to your place. There are better alternatives than this that are much more up to date with technology.

    Chris
     
  5. MrCONRAIL&BNSF

    MrCONRAIL&BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    I'd prefer not to fly a middle aged stranger to my house with out meeting him first. But if thats how you do things than 2 thumbs up. And I don't think flying a person to my house isnt really technology, for people have been doing it for generations.

    That being said you gave me an idea. Jeff do you have SKYP? or a webcam or something so we can set up a walk through so you can see what im working with. Any form of web cam chat would be great. If you know a good program ill d.l it.

    Anyway thanks for the help guys. I just got a new MACBOOK pro so im still trying to figure out how to upload my iphone pictures. I'll def try to get a picture of the metal piece it comes with tomorrow. I appreciate all the help. Once I get the pic up if you want to PM me and walk me through step by step. seeing i dont have the instructions anymore. That would be great appreciation. ANd you can pick out your rolling stock/structure. I will build the structure for you if you choose a structure so you can see my work in person. You can pick any micron art structure, or MT. Or any rolling stock item from monster Z. Thank you!
     
  6. zmaner

    zmaner TrainBoard Member

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    Matt,

    I have known Jeff since 2008 and I can assure you he is a stand up guy that relates to all ages. He is also very technologically savvy. He will lead you on the correct path.

    I am part of the BAZ group and have shared ideas with Jeff, Robert Kim, Matt, and Jim. Actually Pray inspired me to get into laser cutting in Z only and I really enjoy the satisfaction of producing a good Z model or detail.

    Rest assure Matt, you are in very good hands with someone like Jeff.

    Take Care,

    Chris
     
  7. Loren

    Loren TrainBoard Supporter

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    Now Matt, Jeff might just up and take offense at being called middle age :eek:)

    I'll admit he is a bit strange, but he is as harmless as they come.

    I know the guy personally and he is an electrical genius like most of the BAZ and ZoCal boys.

    Jeff has traveled to some exotic, (well, far away) places and mixed it up with some mighty fine Z scale folks.

    I doubt he will want to go back East just to find out you reversed the black and red wires. LOL

    Some of the guys on here are so full of knowledge about the way those tiny electrons go round and round that when they go to explain how it all works, many of us just go off quietly and sit in the corner. They are way above my head on many matters.

    Anyway, you will find lots of good help here and other places if you ask politely and in a manner in which they can understand what you are talking about.

    Continue to grow and have fun,

    Loren
     
  8. MrCONRAIL&BNSF

    MrCONRAIL&BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    thanks loren, yeah maybe I will get to know Jeff he's been a huge help so far!


    ps loren I've looked up to your modules since I first joined. you do fantastic scenery!! please check out my new post, because I know you'll be very helpful and have a lot of experience with the 100000000000 things I'm looking for help on haha the list never shrinks! only gets bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger. And gosh I worked 9 months on my old lay out and scratched it all up in an hour yesterday! I'm finally on to my dream lay out!
     
  9. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

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    Matt, I e-mailed you a couple of days ago. Call or e-mail anytime. Glad to help. I do have an International Sale Meeting tho this Sun - Wed so I might not answer or e-mail back immediately. But will.
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