Hello all! Building my first layout, using Tortoise Switches at the turnouts and looking for some advice on the control switches. I understand that DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw) momentary switches are needed.
Does anyone have any recommendations on manufacturer and model? Would really prefer something with an LED light so it does not look like an old school toggle swich when mounted on the fascia, but open to all feed back.
Thanks in advance!
Work Hard! Train Hard!
What you need are DPDT switches that maintain their position. Power has to remain on the Tortoise at all times to keep the points closed. Stall motors. Our club had them some years ago. But not made anymore. They were flush almost as I recall.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
You don't need (or want) momentary switches. Tortoises are designed to have continuos power.
Take a look at Berrett Hill - Touch Toggles. A bit pricey, but if you are starting from scratch, I.e. control panel, switches, power supplies, it might just be a very nice way to go. Full disclosure, I am converting all my old panels With the Touch Toggle system. Already completed the first, a ten track yard. You can even include LED drivers to power signals for turnout indication. I'm very satisfied with the system. And Kevin, the owner, will always answer his phone to answer your questions. I have no connection, just a happy customer
if you use two power supplies (one +12v and one -12V) you can use SPDT switches and they shouldn't be momentary action either.
Alan Jones in Sunny Queensland (Oz)
Thank you, will definately check them out - they look great!
The Tortoise draw about twenty MA. I put a bipolar red/green LED in series with one lead to indicate at the switch the direction. No resistor needed.
We eventually ran them at about 9 volts for slower operation.