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Tortise Switch Power

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  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 36 posts
Tortise Switch Power
Posted by scott018 on Saturday, January 15, 2011 4:45 PM

I am using the two transformer method to power my switches with one led per switch. Both power sources are small cheap transformers.Was wondering what the max number of switches that one can safely be powered with them.          Thanks Much   Scott

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Saturday, January 15, 2011 5:10 PM

You need to use DC power for torti's If your transformers are putting out AC, you'll need a couple of diodes or a bridge rectifier to convert the output to DC.  How many you can power depends on the current rating of the power supply.  Torti's typically draw between 15 and 30ma.

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, January 15, 2011 6:06 PM

 You need to know the rating of the power supplies you are using.

Tortoies are around 15ma max, maybe 18, 30ma would probably be a defective one. Don;t run your power supply at maximum, give it a little breathing room. SO say the power supply is 250ma, assuming the 18ma number, that would be 13 tortoises with a little left over - go no more than 12 to be safe. The dual power supply method could almost theoretically double the total number of Tortroises, assuming half would eb flipped one way and half the other at any given time. But don't bet on it. Most small wall-wart transformers are protected with an internal fuse, if you overload it and blow that fuse it's not replaceable, it's time to throw out the power supply and get anotehr one.

                             --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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