I am trying to figure out how to wire a tortoise switch machine to either a ds44 or ds64 stationary decoder. The decoder to track part is straightforward but where do the wires from the decoder connect to the switch machine at? Im not using any signals or anything fancy, I just want to be able to select a turnout and throw it from the throttle.
Im not very good at reading electrical diagrams so the information on what i need is probably right in front of me, but I can't make sense of what wire to plug into which pin. Any help or feedback appreciated 8)
On the DS44, there are four pairs of wires for the output - purple/black, gray/yellow, blue/orange, and red green. Each pair goes to the outside pads of one Tortoise(which pin to which pad will depend on which direction you want as "closed" and "open", set it one way an if you don't like it swap the wires).
On the DS64, the connections you are concerned with are labeled 1R/1G, 2R/2G, 3R/3G, and 4R/4G. Again, each pair of outputs goes to the outside pads of the Toroise.
That's pretty much it. I've been using them at the club for a couple of months now and am happy with them. Be sure to follow the programming procedures closely. When you program the outputs you do all 4 of them the same time.
Good Luck.
Springfield PA
Thanks for the information 8)
One further question, is there any power supply needed then for the Tortoise's? My understanding on the DS44 is that it just connects to the track power. Is that going to be enough juice to drive the switch machines?
Thanks again
You do not need a seperate power supply. The Tortoises draw very little current, less than 20 ma each.
If you're uncomfortable running off of track power you can use a wall wart but as noted the torti's don't eat much.
Hamltnblue If you're uncomfortable running off of track power you can use a wall wart but as noted the torti's don't eat much.
You can with the DS64, but not with the DS44. The DS44 can only use track power.
One small note as well. the DS-64's come from the factory setup to operate solenoid type switch machines. you will need to change this in order to use them with the tortoises. You need to change op switch 1 to closed to operate tortoise switch machines.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Since the instructions that come with them are simple and clear, I assume that you bought them used and didn't get the instructions. You can download them in PDF format here:
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/ds64V5.pdf
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/ds44.pdf
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Thanks Phoebe
It is interesting to note that while the instructions do tell you what wires out of the DS64/ds44 to connect to the tortoise, it doesn't tell you WHERE or what pin to connect it to. The tortoise instructions tell you to connect a powersupply to pin 1 and pin 8. And also gives some diagrams of DPDT switches and such, but again no reference to a decoder or the ability of that decoder to power the Tortoise. I'm glad the experts above were able to clear up the confusion for me since the simple and clear instructions that you so kindly posted links to do nothing to answer the questions that I originally posted. Strangely enough they didnt answer the questions when I read the instructions before posting.
The DS64 and it's power source will power the Tortoise. No other switches or power supplies are required. Just wire it to pins 1 and 8 of the Tortoise. Remember to set the option switches on the DS64 to slow motion. The DS54 only works on slow motion machines.
I bought the DS-44, not realizing that it does not have the provision to operate with toggle panels as well as the DCC throttle. I realize that I prefer to operate my turnouts with toggles.
I did wire in panel indicator lights with LEDs and resistors. Those work great.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.