caldwest;
You can't operate turnouts/switches directly from the output voltage of a DCC system. Modelers who want to control their turnouts with DCC use a device called a "stationary decoder" as sort of an interface between the DCC system and the coils or motors that move the points of turnouts. The fact that you were able to operate your Atlas turnouts at all with your DCC system, is somewhat accidental. DCC does put out a constant AC voltage of about 15 volts. Since this falls into the broad range of voltages that will operate a coil in an Atlas turnout, you were able to get them to throw one way. Doing this can damage a DCC system, so don't. A DCC system also puts out digital command signals, riding on top of the constant AC voltage. These signals are what tells the decoder inside a locomotive what to do. These signals also tell other decoders, whether they are locomotive decoders, or stationary decoders, what they should do. The stationary decoder then sends a simple voltage out to the turnout to move the points.
Most modelers prefer to use DCC only for controlling trains. They operate their turnouts in the traditional way with plain old AC or DC voltage and some electrical switches/buttons on a control panel. The separate power supply for the turnouts can be anything from the AC accessory terminals of any power pack, to one of those little black, "Wall wart" power supplies, like those used to charge cell phones.
The blue button controls that come with Atlas remote "Snap Switches, hav a history of shorting out and burning out one of the coils in the turnout (track switch) A much better control is the Stapleton 751D, which is not only a better control, but also has a built-in CDU to protect the coils of your Atlas turnouts. Unfortunately both Atlas "Snap Switch" turnouts and that blue button that comes with them are low quality items. Do you have a lot invested in Atlas Snap switches? If not, then I recommend using Peco's excellent quality turnouts and Stapleton 751D controls, at least for any future turnout/control purchases. If you decide to keep using Atlas turnouts, and develop derailment, or other problems, with your them later, you can fix most of the defects in them with the information in the attached file "Improving Atlas Turnouts." The other file, "All about turnouts" has lots of information about turnouts in general, including my own personal quality comparison of seven popular brands.
good luck, have fun;
Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:
Traction Fan, I sincerely thank you for your detailed response and for the attachments.
I am grateful for you statements about DCC train control and the separate power supply for switch control. Today I ordered a Railpower 1370 power supply and a Minatronics Corp. Capacitive Discharge Unit. This CDU is advertised to protect 10 switches (I have eight).
No, I don't have a lot invested in the Atlas Snap Switches. I only have them because I purchased a package layout deal from Atlas (I wish they had some clear/bold statements about needing a separate power source to operate their switches if you are using DCC). Your suggestions for PECO switches and the Stapleton 751D are welcomed, however at this point I want to make the Atlas switches work as advertised with a separate power source. I can easily foresee the PECO and Stapleton as a not too distant future project.
I am having fun. Other than for the switches, my layout is progressing well and the work has been enjoyable. I can run an engine and a couple of cars without problem while manually operating the switches. Increasing my rolling stock is a near future project.
Again, thank you for the attachments as I am looking forward to reading them. Even at my advanced years, I continue to enjoy learning.
