Atlas Switches and DCC Control

The Rocket Feb 18, 2012

  1. The Rocket

    The Rocket Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Can the Atlas switches with the built-in switch machine be controlled via DCC? I just inherited 8-9 on them in "like new" condition and would like to use an accessory decoder to control them. Its a ceiling shelf layout so I need all the mechanics on the top of the surface. Running an NCE Power Cab, USB interface, Decoder Pro3.

    Am I correct to presume that these switches are twin coil? So an interface such as the NCS Switch-8 will not work since it's designed to work with stall motor type switch machines. Does any othe manufacturer make an accessory decoder that will run multiple twin-coil switch machines? Control of 4 to 8 machines is desired.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 18, 2012
  2. The Rocket

    The Rocket Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Lenz LS-150

    Looking at the Lenz LS-150. States that it will control up to 6 twin-coil turnout machines (Atlas listed specifically).

    Does anyone have any experience with this piece of hardware?
     
  3. retsignalmtr

    retsignalmtr TrainBoard Member

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    Not with the Lenz product, but I use a Digitrax DS64 to control peco twin coil machines. The only problem I have with using the DCC to throw switches with the controller is the interuption of consentration with having to remember switch numbers and push the buttons while running the trains. I still prefer control panels for powered switches or buttons for local control on the facia. They do simplify wiring the switches as the unit can be mounted near the switches under the layout.
     
  4. The Rocket

    The Rocket Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Well with the shelf 13" from the ceiling... I guess I am going to have to be more worried about the function than the convenience. I know some of the the accessory controllers allow for the addition of signal lights and push-button switches on the panel. Unfortunately the panel is 1/2 room away from some of the switch points. I really don't want to run them down inside the wall as I have a lot of the wall redone already. Adding the ceiling shelf as I am remodeling the room. Can't find any information on the Lenz unit as to rather it will allow status lights and push-button switches though. I am starting with a minimum of 6 turnouts that I need to control. The Lenz unit is the only twin-coil controller I have been able to locate with that much capability. The cost is also a factor. Most controllers for twin-coil only run 2 turnout machines. I can alway add one of those if I add to the layout to let it go through the wall and into the next room and back.

    I will also be using the Panel Pro software and running the WiThrottle server so I can control the trains and switches remotely with an app on my Droid2 phone. That will make it easier to be closer to the action. I will just have to remember the switch numbers and their locations.
     
  5. CSX Robert

    CSX Robert TrainBoard Member

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    You can use pushbuttons with the Lenz LS150 (they show how in the manual), but something I don't like about the method they use is the pushbuttons are basically bypassing the LS150. The problem with this is if a pushbutton sticks or someone presses it for too long you can burn out a switch solenoid. With a DS64, you can have pushbutton inputs that signal the DS64 to throw the switch. This way the DS64 is actually in control of throwing the switch eliminating the possibility of burning out a solenoid(as long as the DS64 is configured correctly).

    Something else to consider is will you be running power to the switch controller? If not, I don't believe the LS150 can operate off of track power, but the DS64 can.

    When you talk about the panel being half a room away, are you talking about where you're command station is and are you wanting turnout control there? If so, you may want to look at the Mini Panel. With it you can add pushbuttons that will send turnout commands just like the throttle would(do be forewarned, however, that the Mini Panel requires a cab address). You do not need pushbutton inputs on the switch controller to use the Mini Panel; however, you still can use pushbutton inputs if desired. For example, you can have throttle control of the turnouts, central control panel control through the Mini Panel, and local pushbutton control through the controllers inputs, all at the same time.
     
  6. The Rocket

    The Rocket Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I like the safety of the unit contolling the switch. I do have kids and having the onboard timer kicking out the coil sounds like cheap insurance. I do wish however that the DS64 ran 6 switches like the Lenz, rather than 4. I need to run a minimum of 6 switches to start with, and might possibly add 2 more to switch onto a line running around the ceiling in our bedroom and my son's bedroom, then back out onto the rest of the ceiling layout.

    Thanks for the advise! I NEED ALL I CAN GET!
     
  7. markwr

    markwr TrainBoard Member

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    You might want to consider the Team Digital SMD82. It will drive up to eight twin coil solenoid switch motors (Atlas type) or eight stall motor (tortoise). It's powered from the DCC connection so you don't need to run separate power to the board and it can accept push button inputs to control the motors.
     
  8. mfm_37

    mfm_37 TrainBoard Member

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    NCE also has the 'Snap it" for twin coil machines. Like the DS64, it will allow for push button control along with throttle control. Unlike DS64, it will only work with track power. Its cost per switch is higher as well. Both the DS64 and Snap-it will control two twin coil machines. So if you have a crossover, both machines can be thrown by one output.

    Martin Myers
     
  9. The Rocket

    The Rocket Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks! I will check into the Team Digital SMD82. That would do what I need to now... and leave some room for further expansion.
     
  10. The Rocket

    The Rocket Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am liking what I am reading. With the addition of the TSA board you can easily add manual switches / LEDs... I like it. Thats for the guidance guys! Decision made.
     
  11. Alan C.

    Alan C. TrainBoard Member

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    You can have panel control with the DS-64 just by adding a wire/s to one of the outputs also these can be computer controled and routed so can throw and many turnouts as you want at one time for a complete route any combination of what I just said is possible 010110_145312.jpg hope this helps.
     

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