I'm using a new Zephyr DCC set. Right now just wiring track to test & program locos, etc. before building the layout. The programming of the locos has gone well. Testing switches (turnouts) is so far a bust and I want to ask what I might be doing wrong. Remote turnouts: I'm attaching the wires from the turnout switch to the wires from the Zephyr, i.e., the bus lines. I know there is power in these wires because they are attached to track and a loco is active on the track. However, no response from the turnout. Not likely to be a bad turnout, because I've tried two. What might I be doing wrong? Certainly glad I had sense enough to check all this out *before* laying track. eagle37
Wiring Turnouts I'm using Atlas Fast-trak remote controlled turnouts. I'm not using decoders. I was assuming the DCC set track wires would provide power. No? I have the feeling someone's going to slap his forehead in disbelief here. eagle37
Can I guess who??? Yes, you will need a stationary decoder to operate the turnout remotely via DCC. These can be powered by the DCC bus and/or a separate DC power supply depending on brand. The alternative is to have a panel mounted switch and a separate DC power supply for the turnouts.
That's what I had assumed you were trying to do but wanted to make sure of it before I responded. But Gats answered you and now you should know what you need to do to get it working properly.
Eagle': Read the following two links. Allan Gartners "Wiring for DCC". These are the two peices he has discussing turnouts. >>>Wiring Turnouts<<< >>>Turnout Control<<< Can't say enough how this website has helped me. I have actually gone back and rewired my entire layout the last several years using the suggestions found on this site. It was one the best investments in time I have spent on my layout.
Hear! Hear! Hear! Hear! Absolutely. No question, etc. etc. Not only are the posters helpful-- but they are patient with us newbies and our ignorance. eagle37
To get down to basics: Atlas remote turnouts use what is called a "twin coil" switch machine. Each "coil" is an electro-magnet winding that when activated will pull and armature that is connected to the switch points. Activate one coil, the turnout is "normal", activate the other coil, it is "thrown". Basic control of these would use a pushbutton to momentarily apply a voltage (AC or DC) to the appropriate coil. Normally a DC power pack "accessory" terminal would provide the source voltage for this. With DCC, a digitally coded signal (originated at the DCC trottle) is used to send commands and power to various devices (locomotives and turnout switch machines included). In each case, a decoder is used to read the information in the data stream and apply the appropriate voltages to loco motors (or switch machine coils). Locomotives use a "mobile decoder" that takes power and DCC signal from the rails and outouts controlled voltage to the motor, loghts, etc. Turnouts use "stationary decoders" (no wheels!) which take commands from the track (or Digitrax LocoNet) and power from the track or other source and send the approprite voltages to switch machines. Both twin-coil machines (such as the Atlas) or stall motor types (such as the Tortoise) can be controlled. What you did (I think) was to connect the switch machine coil directly to the DCC power/signal bus without using a decoder. Two things likely have happened: 1) without the intellegence provided by the decoder, there was no way to control the voltage going to the switch machine and 2) if you had this connected for more than a few seconds, you likely blew one or more switch machine coils, as they are designed only for momentary application of power. If not, get thee to the decoder store! See also http://www.digitrax.com/menu_statdecoders.php
