Is there a way to wire up the walthers switch machines and controller to a digitrax se8?
No, the Walthers machines are servos. The SE8C can only run stall motors like the Tortoise.
You can get the equivalent of the Walthers switch machines for lower cost from suppliers like Tam Valley Depot, along with suitable controllers that will work with DCC. Also significantly smaller machines.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker No, the Walthers machines are servos. The SE8C can only run stall motors like the Tortoise. You can get the equivalent of the Walthers switch machines for lower cost from suppliers like Tam Valley Depot, along with suitable controllers that will work with DCC. Also significantly smaller machines. --Randy --Randy
Interestingly enough they are capable to operated like stall motors even though they are servos. Section 4.5 of the reference guide explains exactly how to do this. Not all the features are functional but if you are controlling via the SE8C they are redundant.
https://www.walthers.com/walthers-control-system-switch-machine
Switch Machine Reference Guide - 04 Options (link:https://goo.gl/r9pXQw)
Not my first choice in switch machine since they are more expensive than tortoises.
I hope this helps.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Well that is interesting - but it does caution you to remove any series LEDs since the current draw will exceed that of most LEDs, so unlike a Tortoise which draws about 15ma stalled, these must draw well over 20ma. So this is likely to exceed the capability of the SE8C outputs, which are already somewhat lower in voltage than most Tortoise drivers.
Kind of like the original Cobalt motors - sure, smaller than a Tortoise, but they drew 3x the current so no more easy indicators by using series LEDs, and too much operating current for many stationary decoders. They have a newer model that corrects this.
Have you factored into your cost analysis the fact that the Walthers machines have an integrated DCC accessory decoder? That fact alone made them attractive to me. Also, considering the ease of programming and ganging them, powering multiple switch machines easily, and the available fascia switches and indicator lights which are easily added is a huge plus. I don't want to pay a zillion bucks for my new layout, but at 67 years old, I also don't want to spend too long building it. I bought quite a few pieces when they were on sale, and by my calculation comparing with other products, I saved a bunch of money and time.
They may be cheaper than a Tortoise when you figure in the addition of the fascia controller and DCC accessory decoder (if you actually need that) - but they are still way more expensive than the Tam Valley products which have all the same features including the easy plug together wiring.