Integrated Turnout Signal Systems
This system is designed to integrate with your snap twin coil 3 wire switch machines, most notably:
- Atlas
- Backman
- Peco
- Piko
- Marklin
- Walthers
- All machines Snap machines made prior to 1980
Components of the system
This system is available in HO and N Scales.
Turnout Signal Controller Unit
Dwarf/Block Signals
Optional Power Supply
To purchase components of this system click on the links below.
Purchase a Kit
Add power to the Dwarvin Snap controller either using a 9V supply (barrel connector) or directly from your AC or DC bus via the 2-socket connector on the right-hand side of the unit.
Purchase Individual System Components
Instructions
The Controller module can also be purchased individually. So for example, if you were wanting to use signals on a yard that had 6 turnouts on it, and for which you only see one end, you could buy 4 Turnout kits and 2 Controllers giving you 12 signals covering 6 Turnouts.
A unique feature designed into this system is that it remembers the direction of the turnout from the last time it was used, even when power has been interrupted.
Another unique feature is that it can be used with either AC or DC power, directly from the turnout power! You can also cascade each controller so that you only need to power one and all are powered. This has a unique advantage when using the product in a yard ladder. Only one power supply needs to be used as all the other controllers can get their power from that first one, thereby reducing complexity and most importantly costs.
Finally, if a combination of turnouts is used, such as in a ladder, and each does not need 3 dwarf signals attached, then:
- A mix of these products will provide a less expensive way to signal the ladder.
- The spare fiber spaces on the Controller can be used to connect 2 fibers from the controller to a turnout display board.
The assembly couldn't be simpler:
- Connect 3 wires from the 3 socket connectors on the Dwarvin Snap Controller to the Snap machine switch control unit or to the Solenoid connections on the Turnout- no soldering needed.
- Add power to the Dwarvin Snap controller either using a 9V supply (barrel connector) or directly from your AC or DC bus via the 2-socket connector on the right-hand side of the unit.
- Finally, insert the 3 Dwarf Signals into the layout where required and insert the fibers into the Snap Controller.
Mounting your Dwarvin Turnout Signals
- Attach the velcro piece provided to both the Turnout Controller and any of the 3 non-functioning surfaces of your switch machine.
- Connect the wires from the Turnout Controller to the power supply wires on your switch machine using the suitcase connectors (or spade connectors if requested).
- Check there is light from the Turnout Controller that gets switched when you throw the switch. If not, you have not connected to the correct wires or made an incomplete connection.
- Drill 3 holes (5/32 drill) at the 3 approaches to the switch and mount the 3 signals into the layout, inserting the fibers through the holes first.
- Selecting the correct fiber insertion: The following chart provides the insertion steps. Note that the end of the fibers corresponding to the red light on the signal are marked red. When the switch is set so that the locomotive goes straight through, the signals going into and out of that line should be Green for go, but the one coming in from the branch should be red for stop. Likewise, when the switch is thrown and it is in what we will call the “switched” mode, all the lights should be reversed.
- Set the switch to be “straight”, then insert the fibers as shown below into the part of the block that is lit - we will call that the “straight” section of the block. The individual signals will be lit according to the designation below. Now insert the remaining 3 fibers into the “Switched” section of the block that is lit.
For more information, click on the following links