Hi Everyone!
I purchased a tortoise slow motion switch machine that I would like to use to control a crossover. According to my Walthers Catalog, Circuitron sells a linkage that allows one machine to control the two turnouts of a crossover. All of my turnouts are Micro Engineering Code 83 #6 and the layout is wired for DCC powered by a Lenz system. Does anyone know of a video or detailed article about wiring tortoise slow motion switch machines and linking them to two turnouts to control a crossover? I intend on wiring them to a SPDT switch mounted to a control panel on the side of the facia. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Tim
Can't help you, Tim, but I will be interested in the responses.
I use two Tortoises wired to each other to control a crossover.
And, I use a DPDT switch to control the movements.
Rich
Alton Junction
Thanks for responding Rich. I may have to use two machines instead of one if it is too complicated and a DPDT switch too. I've never actually wired a tortoise switch machine before so I need help figuring out just the basics.
Once you have done one, it is pretty simple.
With a DPDT switch, you cross wire the four end terminals in an X-pattern. The two center terminals are used for the switch wires that connect to the two outermost leads on the Tortoise (#1 and #8). The two wires from the power supply (I use a DC transformer) connect to one of the pairs of the end terminals of the DPDT switch. That is it.
If you want to wire up trackside signals or LED's on a control panel, there is some additional wiring.
Thanks Rich!
I believe I understand your instructions so I'll try it out on an end siding switch that I wanted to power. I look forward to comments from others as well. Pictures, diagrams or videos on this subject would be awesome!
Here is a very crude diagram of my setup with a bi-polar (red/green) LED on the control panel and a two light (alternating red and green LEDs) track side signal.
LION and the TORTOISE part 316.
LIONS LIKE TORTOISES, they make good SOUP and also perfect switch machines.
Yes if you are mechanically inclined you could make a Tortoise work two switches, but the LION does not do this, him uses two tortoi.
LION uses a polarity driven system using only ONE wire from the control panel (wherever you wish to put it) to the turnout. On the Cheap you would use a single AC transformer with two diodes giving you two wires at your console one (+) 12 and the other (-) 12. You then use a SPDT switch to select either the (+) or the (-) to be supplied to the Tortoise. The same wire can control you indicator LEDs at the panel, and any signals you may need on the layout, while the Tortoise controls the track power.. Your single wire can also activate remote relays to manage any necessary signal logic.
The LION has powered DOUBLE CROSSOVERS with a single SPDT using remote relays, In this case 0 volts = normal route; (+) 12 = north to south; and (-) 12 = south to north.
I think the LION should take the time to draw out his circuits so that others may actually see what he is talking about.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
The Circuitron Remote Tortoise Mount, available anywhere they sell the Tortoise, can operate two switches from a single Tortoise.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wkS_hh8G5Q
EMD#1Does anyone know of a video or detailed article about wiring tortoise slow motion switch machines and linking them to two turnouts to control a crossover?
But the topic of your message says wiring. So is " I intend on wiring them to a SPDT switch mounted to a control panel on the side of the facia." Really a question of how to do that?
If so there are several ways using s SPDT switch. To me the easiest is with an AC power supply and diodes. Connect one side of the power to the tortoise. Connect the other side of the power to two diodes of opposite polarity (the + of one and the - of the other). connect the other 2 sides of the diodes to the DT portions of the switch, connect the SP to the other side of the tortoise. This does put 1/2 wave DC power to the tortiose. That can be smoothed out with a capacitor if you so desire.
Another way to do it is to get two DC power supplies. Make a common wire from the + of one and the - of the other to one side of the tortoise. Connect the other side of each power supply to the DT portions of the switch. Once again run the SP connection of the switch to the other side of the tortoise.
These directions and diagrams for each should have been in the tortoise box.
Thanks everyone for all of the great ideas! I've decided to use a DPDT switch. My real problem was just wiring the switch machines themselves. Now with all of your suggestions I have the confidence I need to take this project on.
Holler if you need help.
Good luck and report back.