Can that be done?
If so, which pins on the Tortoise do the two legs connect to?
Rich
Alton Junction
Just connect it in series in one of the wires between the Tortoise and toggle switch, as shown in diagram 4 of the Tortoise wiring instructions. If it lights to the wrong color, turn it around.
The LED will be very dim as the Tortoise moves, but will then get brighter when the Tortoise stalls.
I posted about this a while back but here is the diagram I used to wire a Bi-Polar LED to the Tortise, in my case as a turnout position indicator located at the turnout.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Thanks, guys, for the replies.
Bob, does your LED dim while the Tortoise is moving the turnout point rails? That would seems to be a disadvantage.
I was thinking of using a resistor and wiring the LED directly to the two outer leads on the Tortoise.
Yes, when wired to the motor the LED will dim when the motor is moving because it draws less current when moving than it does when stalled . If you are using the LED as a signal on the layout, then that feature does not look protoypical; however, some people like it because you can see when the turnout has completed it's throw.
CSX Robert Yes, when wired to the motor the LED will dim when the motor is moving because it draws less current when moving than it does when stalled . If you are using the LED as a signal on the layout, then that feature does not look protoypical; however, some people like it because you can see when the turnout has completed it's throw.
I use the LEDs in trackside signals.
Yes, as has been mentioned already, it does dim while the motor is in motion. Doesn't bother my but in your case it may be an issue.
farrellaa Yes, as has been mentioned already, it does dim while the motor is in motion. Doesn't bother my but in your case it may be an issue. -Bob
I really do appreciate all of the information. But, I have decided to go with the resistor setup to avoid the dimming.