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Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: mephistopheles1964 on April 17, 2010, 09:28:52 AM

Title: Turn outs with green wires???
Post by: mephistopheles1964 on April 17, 2010, 09:28:52 AM
I bought my son, the easy first layout for his birthday and he worked on it pretty good the little one.  The box came with a lot of green wires and even more green wires under the turn outs too.  So, my question is, are the turn outs manually controlled or can the EZ Command controller be set to turn them?  Thanks  Brad and Jacob
Title: Re: Turn outs with green wires???
Post by: jgaynor on April 17, 2010, 09:39:53 AM
Brad and Jacob
if you are talking about the EZ track turnouts you would need the DCC equipped turn out if you want to control them through you command station or just set up the ones you already have that are manually thrown
Title: Re: Turn outs with green wires???
Post by: lwmlwm44 on April 17, 2010, 10:02:30 AM
If there are green wires with the turnouts that are attached to the switches it sounds like you have electric turnouts that need to be connected to a different ho transformer.   The EZ command controller doesn't have a connection to hook up for accessories like switches and such.    I use a older HO Transformer and connect the switches to it.

The DCC Controlled switches do nothave any wires attached to them and control is thru the track like the engines are.     

Am sure your little one is having a grand time.

Larry
Title: Re: Turn outs with green wires???
Post by: ABC on April 17, 2010, 12:01:08 PM
You can power your current turnouts with the E-Z Command System however, the E-Z Command System cannot throw these turnouts, and you would have to tap in to the track power and then you may run out of amps depending on how many accessories (lights and turnouts) and locos you are trying to power. So, the cheapest solution is an old wall-wort power supply or an old HO power source from a previous layout.
Title: Re: Turn outs with green wires???
Post by: mephistopheles1964 on April 17, 2010, 06:11:30 PM
Thank you for your help in understanding my situation.  I now know who to come too for good help and rapid response ;D
Title: Re: Turn outs with green wires???
Post by: Doneldon on April 18, 2010, 03:05:13 AM
Use a separate power source for your turnouts, lights and accessories.  While it's true you can tap into your on-track DCC, as ABC says, you won't be happy doing that.  Throwing turnouts could cause hesitation in your locomotives, especially with EZ DCC, and you'll soon find yourself incinerating your 12 volt bulbs with the higher DCC voltage.  Those little bulbs are pricey and they won't last long when over powered.  (Hint: try slightly underpowering them and they'll last forever with little or no visual difference.)