I have one power pack and am an analog wired layout with three DPDTs. One for the main loop and two for reversing loops. The main loop and the more complex reverse loop have shorts that I cannot find. Any suggestions? DMK
Do you have a drawing of the layout and a schematic we could see. That would help us discover any reverse loops that may be overlooked or improper wiring. also does the short happen in all different switch modes and combinations? Are your switches a “center off” type. We simply need a bit more information to be helpful.
It would be helpful to see a schematic of how you have wired the tracks. Could you create a simple sketch of the tracks, DPDTs and wiring?
I'm not sure why you'd need a DPDT switch for the main loop. Normally, the main track is connected to the power pack's output and uses the power pack's direction switch.
Ok fair enough. That switche’s wiring is easy enough. Output leads from the pack to the outermost pins on one side, then a jumper to the opposite pin on the opposite side, and the output from the center pins to the track. But that’s all we can extrapolate with the information given.
Thanks for the image. I was about to ask about doing that. It's been too many years since I've done it and my thoughts were wrong.
I don't know about these days but the rule used to be that the power pack reversing switch is used only for short reversing moves anywhere on the layout as on a yard track or the like. Other than that, the dedicated reversing switch for each section is used for that section to generally reverse train direction. A matter of preference, I guess, but it does seem like it may reduce confusion. It's the way I did it on past layouts (I have no reversing blocks on my current layout). Doug
I checked all of the plastic insulated joiner sections and behold: The reverse loop that is working is properly insulated. However, many other joints insulated with the Atlas insulated joiners are not insulating thus causing the shorts. I will try to fix this with the insulated rail joiners, checking for insulation as I go. DMK
When I modeled HO scale I would use a dremmel with a fine disk and cut the gap in the rails. Then I would use a piece of styrene to fill the gap and it would be sanded back into the shape of the rail. This works really well, much better than the insulated joiners.
What is confusing me is that I used a DVM to check continuity in the rail before the insulated joiner and the resistance is the same. Pictures of the rails below. The one reverse loop that is working has both sets of insulated joiners working. DMK
We used that method for DC HO/O when I first started about '75. Only we didn't have Dremel then. Just jewelers saws.
We used that method for DC HO/O when I first started about '75. Only we didn't have Dremel then. Just jewelers saws.
if you notice, you have a kink in the rails there. This is another reason I do not use those rail joiners, they are not very strong, and can easily deform. Especially in a corner and while using flex track.
The only Atlas insulating joiners I ever had a problem with were the white ones that got real crumbly as they aged. The orange-yellow and clear ones have been fine for many years. Cutting the rail and plugging with plastic - too much work (for me ). Doug
My first thought was the same as @DMK's - a kink like that, especially in the vicinity of a turnout, is going to cause derails. Regarding the continuity, probably obvious but just in case, are there feeders somewhere further on the route?
Atlas code 80 turnouts are not power routing. In other words, power is present on all rails at all times, regardless of which route is selected. Actually, Atlas code 55 turnouts are the same. Doug
