Thanks to Barry for his insight into this senario on a different post

Posted October 21, 2009 10:00 PM
UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF SWITCH INSTALLATION.

I have 1@ AIU I don't run accessories, yet maybe way down the road.

I have 22 switches. I have hooked up all 22 and have room for more.

Switches terminals #1-8 are single lone switches
Switch terminals 9 & 10 open for future use.

Acc 1 2 switches that is a in & out siding track 1
Acc 2 2 switches cross over track 3 - track 2
Acc 3 2 switches cross over track 2 - track 3
Acc 4 2 switches that is a in & out siding track 5
Acc 5 2 switches cross over track 4 - track 5

Acc 6 - Acc 10 empty
I have room for up to 12 more switches at least

I use Gargraves Z1000 switches. The standard switch button and acc buttons operate all switches smoothly.

2 differences between the switch and accessory.

a. Switch red/green light on only when in operation Accessory red/green light always on (that I LIKE)

b. Switch throws wait 4 seconds throw opposite direction
Accessory on throw off throw no wait faster operation.

All accessory switches are; on straight off curve that's handy.
All accessory switches are thrown as a pair 2 switches same direction. real handy.

You could do more on 1 accessory point, just have to wire it specifically to do groups and the route would be very unusual, but I believe you could do 3, 4 even more on 1 accessory terminal.

Brent

For those of you that attempt this scheme using other than DZ1000 motors, make sure that your switch motor stops trying to throw the switch after the switch has changed orientation. Examples of motors that should not be used on the accessory ports as described include Atlas O and Lionel O27 switches.

Additionally, any switches that use a non-derailing mechanism cannot be used, since the mechanism will fight the AIUs orientation for the switch. Examples of switches that have built-in non-derailing mechanisms include Lionel O27 & O, Lionel Super O, Ross & Gargraves (if wired for non-derailing), MTH RealTrax, and others.

Correcto mundo Barry.

When I was setting this up I had a few times when the switches sounded like machine guns but that was my error, but its all good now.

Now its learning the traffic flow patterns.

Wow i'll have to tell my boyfriend that.
Can you show a picture or drawing please ?

Isn't there a way to have the AUI fire it's relay momemtarily, as opposed to a continuous power feed, so that you can use them on Atlas switches?

quote:

Isn't there a way to have the AUI fire it's relay momemtarily, as opposed to a continuous power feed, so that you can use them on Atlas switches?

The switch ports fire their relays momentarily. The accessory ports can fire their relays momentarily or have them stay on until released.

Thanks, Barry.
Alan