I will begin by saying that I am very green with electronics, especially DCC.
My question is if there's a schematic online that will help with the wiring up of an ME turnout controlled by a Tortoise switch machine in DCC? I would like to control the turnout by a fascia mounted switch, and might want to add LED signals at a later date. I own a Digitrax Superchief set, and plan to run my layout in four seperate wiring blocks with the help of a Digitrax PM42.
Actually, if there is a detailed drawing that shows Digitrax components, and how they get wired together it would help. I think the only thing that's going to save me is a drawing of some sorts. The text instructions are mind-blowing for me.....
I see many wiring schematics online for DCC wiring, but most do not indicate the location/function for the wiring, so I cannot determine if, or how they work, or what actual connections should be made for my intended controls. Digitrax website tells me lots, but doesn't show me the actual way to wire it all up. Same with the other searches I have made so far.
Thanks everyone.
almo
If you don't plan to actually control the turnout via DCC, but simply by a toggle switch on the fascia, the diagram is in the Tortoise instruction sheet. There's absolutely no difference hooking it up for DC vs DCC.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Almo,
What you are describing is Not DCC control of the turnout. The M-E turnout is 'DCC Friendly'. The Tortoise is a basic DC turnout motor. If you want 'DCC Control' of the turnout(like from your Digitrax throttle), then you need to buy additional 'parts' to do this.
If you just want to control the Tortoise/M-E turnout from a fascia mounted panel, all you need is a DPDT toggle and a 'bi-color' LED wired in series with the output to the Tortoise. Pins #1 & #8 of the Tortoise are the motor control. By wiring the LED in series from one of the DPDT outputs to either pin 1 or 8 of the Tortoise, you will have RED/GREEN indications of the turnout position. The installation paperwork included with the Tortoise shows how to wire this.
Now, if you want both DCC control and fascia panel control, you will need to buy extra hardware. Digitrax/NCE/DCC Specialties all make control hardware....
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
The schematics and options Tortoise provides with the kit can be a little challenging for some of us that weren't trained to read a schematic even for me, though I''ve been told I do well considering. <G>
For DCC or DC wiring so that the polarity is controlled by the Tortoise, I will provide a link soon with a graphic in color that shows where the wires go on both the turnout and motor and back to the power supply, (provided the ME is wired with a live frog). I might try to sway you away from the ME turnouts as many have complained about failures or had to rework them.
Edit: Here is the link. Though it;s on the Fast Tracks website, it will work for any turnouts with powered frogs provided the frog is gapped on both ends. There has been a myth floating around that this kind of arrangement with track voltage siwtche by the Tortoise can damage the switch motor. It is not true if you do it right.
http://www.handlaidtrack.com/kb_results.asp?ID=63