Yes, JMRI will also conrol the Switch8, with a PowerCab or PowerPro system. Whatever the addresses you assing to the 8 outputs on the Switch8, you configure a control on a panel in JMRI using that address and clicking the control in JMRI (or on the throttle using WiThrottle and a smartphone) will also operate the Tortoises.
I think the new Switch8 Mark 2's have conenction for local pushbuttons as well, the original Switch8 did not. I use Digitrax, but I used a couple of SwitchIts on my old layout, each one of those controlled 2 Tortoise plus they had button connections.
Using Digitrax, and looking at th instructiosn for other systems, I second the idea that controlling switches fromt he same handset youa re using to run your train si awkward at best. My new, under design basement size layout will have local buttons alogn the fascia plus control via computer and a dispatcher panel, so I can operate with a dispatcher or more casually and just throw the switches as I walk along with my train - there will be no connection to throw switches from the DCC throttle.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I have a Switch-8 that I use to control 8 Tortoises that control the turnouts on my downtown passenger station ladder. My DCC system is a 5 amp PH-Pro, not the Power Cab. I do not use the Button Board. Instead, I use an NCE Mini Panel to control the routes. I have a control panel that is wired with momentary push button switches.
On that control panel, I use bi-polar LEDs to illuminate the routes. To accomplish this, I use the 1 and 8 terminals on the Tortoise, wired to the Switch-8. I use the 5, 6, and 7 terminals on the Tortoise to complete the circuit back to the Mini Panel and the DC power supply for the Tortoise.
Rich
Alton Junction
I have Digitrax, so this info might not apply, but then again it might be similar.
I am installing an SE8C to control signals and drive Tortoises. There is a feature that allows the SE8C to power the slow motion motors with continuous current the normal way. There are also connections for push buttons. The push buttons are not in the Tortoise feed lines. The buttons are mounted on the fascia in proximity to the turnouts and have two lines (in my case a single twisted pair cannibalized from a CAT6 ethernet cable) that go to the SE8C which then sends a signal (within the printed circuitry of the SE8C) that changes the polarity of the feeds to the Tortoise. Two wires to 1 and 8 of the Tortoise, and two wires to the (only) two connections of the push button.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
robkozThere is a push button board but have no clue what the point of it is.
With the switch8, you need to throw the switches using the hand set. Some people get tired of this after awhile, either because it becomes burdensome, or because they find that they lose control of the engine while they are in the process of using the accessory functions of the handset. Or because the decide they wish to have a control panel.
With the button board, you can control the switches with pushbuttons, or with the handset depending on your preference at the moment. From what I can see, the button board can be added after the fact, so you can try the switch8 first and add the button board later.
rrinker You just use the basic Tortoise. Yes, it is that easy, 2 wires to the track for power and signal, then 2 wires to each Tortoise, pins 1 and 8 on the Tortoise are the motor contacts. You then follow the instructions and program an address in the Switch8. You use Accessory mode to select the address for the switch you want to operate (on the cab). The PowerCab has plenty of power to run 8 Tortoises. --Randy
You just use the basic Tortoise. Yes, it is that easy, 2 wires to the track for power and signal, then 2 wires to each Tortoise, pins 1 and 8 on the Tortoise are the motor contacts. You then follow the instructions and program an address in the Switch8. You use Accessory mode to select the address for the switch you want to operate (on the cab).
The PowerCab has plenty of power to run 8 Tortoises.
Thanks for the response. Any idea if this is controllable via JMRI?
http://www.jimsmodeltrains.com/NCE-Switch-8-Mk2-DCC-Accessory-Decoder-524-151_p_1307.html
Looking to use ^^this^^ for these switch tracks. What tortoise switches do I use and can it be really that easy? 2 wires to track and the rest to the switches? I only need 8 switches so it works out perfect. I'm guessing I can program the switches to my NCE controller? There is a push button board but have no clue what the point of it is. Need a bit of guidance on this one. thanksAlso, will this require more power than the basic NCE power cab?
http://www.jimsmodeltrains.com/NCE-Button-Board-for-Switch-8-Mk2-DCC-Accessory-Decoder-524-152_p_1308.html
Will use 8 switches for the tracks below.