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2 Responses to Atlas Switch Machines
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The track power is DC. For the switch machines should be powered from an AC supply (typically 12 volts AC). The reason is that if you use DC, over a period of time, the armature in there will become permanently magnetized and will not move anymore. Also, make sure to use momentary switches that will return to center OFF position when you take your finger away. They are not meant to be powered on continuously.
I use small toggle switches (Atlas is too big and bulky.. make poor contact). They have the function as:
MomentaryON-OFF-MomentaryON.
A seperate power supply for switches, unless you are using DCC and a stationary decoder. Some brands require a separate power input, but some brands work of the track power.
For analog (conventional dc) a seperate power source is recommended otherwise you will see a dip in loco performance every time you throw a switch/turnout