michaelp

Well, I have carried out the tests that John Ks gave the diagram for, as it happens I only needed to test one micro switch instead of two, one of the points I was having trouble with started working again so I will keep an eye on that one.

The micro switch I tested was giving erratic readings with the switch switched, with the switch not switched it seemed ok so this switch was changed and all is well with the crossover.

The voltage tests gave a different result to what John had said, on the point with the dodgy micro switch the straight ahead route gave reading of 16.36 volts AC but when switched to crossover the reading was 0.0 17 volts AC and not 0.0 as John said so I'm not sure if the difference in voltage is relevant but once the switch was changed everything seems to be working ok.....for now!

Thank you very much to all the guy's who took the trouble to reply offering advice and suggestions and to John Ks for posting the diagram.

Michael

Could the glue have entered the microswitch, dried and become an insulator?

Ray,

yes it might be possible, hopefully further tests will sort this out.

Michael

Thanks to everyone for the replies,  one thing I forgot to mention, the points I'm have problems with were fine until I ballasted and weathered the track, I don't know if this makes a difference but thought I better mention it.

I will carry out the above tests over the weekend and report back.

Michael

Hi John,

Thank you for your explanation and diagrams, yes I have a multimeter but only a very very basic understanding of electrics,  could you explain the ohm test readings for me please as I would like to understand the test values and are the voltage test readings 0.0 and 13.8 volts or is that 3.8 volts/

Thanks in advance

Michael

Hi all,

I have a trailing crossover on my layout, all locos are stalling on the frogs in all directions, its like the frogs are not powered,  IRJs are in the correct places.

I have done the usual point modifications for DCC and fitted micro switches for polarity switching, all other points are wired the same way and are fine. I thought it might be the switches at fault so I did the following test:

1 Measured voltage from bus wires via dropper wires to switch at N C and N O terminals on micro switch, voltage = 16.?? volts ac

2 Measured voltage from N C terminal to frog wire, voltage = less than 3 volts ac

3 Measured voltage from N O terminal to frog wire, voltage = less than 3 volts ac

results from numbers 2 and 3 tests are the same whichever way the point is switched.

The arm/lever of the switch seems to be working correctly ie: clicking each way when moved.

From the above results are the switches at fault, seems strange though for two switches to fail although they were very cheap for a pack of ten.

Is this the correct way to test a micro switch and is there any other tests that I should do to solve the problem?

Grateful for any advice

Michael

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