I'm sure this is an elementary issue, but because I didn't know the proper term I couldn't do a proper search. I'll be installing my first two Tortoise machines soon. On most of my turnouts I'll use manual controls (Fast Tracks Bullfrogs) on the fascia, as I like giving young visitors more chances to operate. These two Tortoise-controlled turnouts, however, are "offstage" behind the backdrop, and they will always be both thrown the same way (either both diverging or both through). I'm betting there's some way to wire them together so that a single button or toggle switch will thow them together. Can you direct me to a reference book, magazine article, web page, or the like that will describe or, better, diagram how to accomplish this? Thanks.
The two outside terminals (#1 and #8) on the Tortoise are the connectors for the two wires from a DPDT toggle switch.
To control two Tortoises together, simply join the two #1 wires together and the two #8 wires together and connect each pair of wires to a third wire that runs to the DPDT toggle switch.
Rich
Alton Junction
With the proper linkages you can throw both turnouts with one tortoise. A lot more economical for you.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Depending on the orientation of the installed machines, it might be necessary to connect the #1 terminal of one to the #8 terminal of the other, and vice-versa. I would recommend against installing any fancy linkages to throw both sets of points with a single machine - unless the machine is installed at the fascia and the linkage is EXTREMELY simple (like a couple of lengths of fishing line and a couple of hanging weights.)
I would also suggest wiring an LED (or two, reversed to each other) in parallel with one Tortoise power wire. Put them where they can be seen to indicate the position of the hidden points.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
tomikawaTT Depending on the orientation of the installed machines, it might be necessary to connect the #1 terminal of one to the #8 terminal of the other, and vice-versa.
Depending on the orientation of the installed machines, it might be necessary to connect the #1 terminal of one to the #8 terminal of the other, and vice-versa.
Good point, Chuck !
The comments above describe wiring the two Tortoises' #1 & #8 terminals in parallel; i.e., each needs the full output of the DPDT switch. If wired in series, each would only see 1/2 the needed voltage and at best move too slowly, if at all.
Main reason for my input is to encourage prewiring the Tortoises before adding under the table, and hooking them to terminal strips under the table. Then running your DPDT output wires to one terminal strip input side for what connects to the wires from Tortoise #1 & #8, and extending those DPDT outputs to the 2nd Tortoise's strip. When doing this way, if you miswire the arrangement such that the two turnouts are working against each other vs what is intended, just reversing the Tortoise #1 and #8 wires at the terminal strip will make them coordinated. The suggested panel LED (bicolored is great) goes in series in one of the DPDT outputs to the Tortoise. It must be wired with its cathode and anode oriented in a correct direction so the LED works as desired (e.g., indicating green when straight and red when diverging). This option costs about 50 cents, is easy to do, and is a neat feature as glancing at the color is easier that looking at the toggle physical position, plus it's neat to see it change color as the turnout moves.
I drew diagrams for mine that I don't have digital and found that rather complicated, including for frog wiring as that got into the physical orientation and which way I wanted the Tortoise oriented (it can be 180 degrees either way under the table) for a given turnout, avoiding framing members, etc. Again, the terminal strips are really handy, as things can be swapped easily. I used 5-position strips as two were needed for the Tortoise mechanism operation (throwing points) and 3 for the frog powering, which I elected to do. I wish I had used 8-position terminal strips, as I now want to add some local turnout position signals (in addition to control panel LEDs which I included).
Of my twenty-some Tortoise activated turnouts, three pair are crossovers that are Tortoise powered and wired as you are interested. It's pretty neat, as in each case they are close coupled enough that I always want each pair to work as a team )straight through or cross-over). Even works with curved turnout crossovers, of course.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Thank you, friends, for all the responses. Since these turnouts are fifteen feet apart, I opted not to try a linkage (I can afford a second machine, thankfully; my wife suggests that the boxcars on the Alder Creek have a herald of a dollar bill with wings). I was wondering about some form of indicator, and I'll give the LED a try. As a confirmed terminal-strip user, you can bet I'll be putting a six- or eight-post strip to work, too. Thanks again.
EROSEBUD,
That dollar bill with wings,,,sounds like a subtle reminder,from the financial advisor...LOL..
Cheers,
Frank