Hi
I have an NCE PH Pro wihich is sold as a 5 amp system and I am now about to install Tortoise motors to around 35 Peco code 83 switches. I want to use NCE's Switch 8's so I can punch in the switch address and throw each switch rather than have manual toggles switches.
My big worry is that as Tortoise motors pull constant power to keep switches in position how much ampage is this going to pull? I want to use this technology but will it take ampage I would rather use for my all DCC sound locos?
Thanks in advance.
Barry
According to the instruction sheet enclosed with a Tortoise switch motor, each one "draws 15-16 mA at stall, so 30 switch machines can be powered by a single 9 or 12 Volt, 500 mA wall wart adapter," so 60 machines would need only 1 Amp.
I use Peco turnouts because they don't need a motor if they can be reached to throw by hand. If you use a Tortoise with them, you need to remove the Peco spring.
I am not familiar with your particular system, but most DCC switch controllers have the ability to use a separate power supply instead of track power. I strongly suggest you use it.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Hi cacole
Thanks for the reminder on the Peco springs. Yes, I've removed all so far. And thanks for the info, looks like I'm OK to use Switch 8's.
Thanks again!
You'll basically have a 3.5 to 3.8 amp system after the swith 8's are done.
I wonder if you could just pick up one of their smaller 3 amp boosters and run a separate bus for the switch 8's if you want to keep all of your power.
You might want to consider another product that allows for auxiliary power to reduce the current draw, at least for some.
Springfield PA
Barry,
I have the same system and chosen Wabbits rather than the Switch 8, but I can't imagine they make much differance. I have installed about 10 tortoise motors so far and have no regrets. I also have Rampmeter in line to constantly monitor the current and even with multiple locos running, I have never seen a reading over 1.5A. I like the idea of being able to control the tortoise from the throttle, but am also in the process of adding SPDT on a panel to all of the tortoise via the Wabbits, so I will have the ability to use either a toggle or the throttle.
Also I have chosen the Peco 83 turnouts, which have proven to be worth the extra $$ so far. I did not take out the spring, but changed the standard .025 spring wire for .039 spring wire and it works fine with the spring still the turnout. I found the .039 wire at the local Ace for a couple of bucks and still used all of it. Good luck.
Jeff