Calrification on Tortise

[claycts]

This is for the New Folks:
You read posts about using a DB150 to Handle JUST Tortise Machines.
Here is the truth behind the answer.
1. YOU CAN NOT power a Tortise from the Rail "A" and Rail "B" output. It is A/C.
2. The reason to use a DB150 to power the DECODER for the Tortise is to conserve on Train Rail amps.
3. YOU CAN NOT just add a DPDT for a tortise ALONG with SOME DECODERS.
4. Cheap power for a Tortise Bus is the DC output of a garage sale Transformer. Using the speed control DIAL IN the speed you want the Tortise to close at. Note: DO NOT do this BEFORE all the turnouts are on line since the voltage drop will increase as you add Tortise units.
5. All you MUST have to operate a tortise is 12-14v DC, a DPDT and some 28AWG wire (Cat5e is perfect).
6. You CAN NOT use a resistance soldering system to wire decoder or Tortise units. Unless you area a PRO with it. A voltage SPIKE can KILL any decoders ot Tortise P.C. Boards.
7. There is NO CHEAP WAY to automate Tortise units PERIOD
The following is a list of Decoders for the Tortise WITH a why or why not.
These are all Digitrax since that is what I use.
DS44 Controls (4) Turnouts. No Loconet Feedback $39.99 (Bare wire solder type)
DS52 Controls (2) Turnouts. No Loconet Feedback $24.99 (Screw Terminals)
DS54 Controls (4) Turnouts, Loconet Feedback $79.99 (Screw Terminals)
Difference between DS44 and the DS52 & DS54 is that the DS52 and DS54 can handle EITHER Solenoid OR Tortise type.
The Ultimate control is the Hare II at $29.95 EACH
The Digitrax Ultimate is DS64 $59.99, does it all, loconet, routing runs off Booster or track power.
Hope this helps some one. I have spent a lot of time and money trying to get this correct. We now have a good handle on what it takes to run this equipment.
Take Care
George P.

[rrinker]

Don't forget you aren't stuck with a pure Digitrax solution. NCE, CVP, and Lenz accessory decoders work fine with Digitrax. As well as others from Team Digital.

NCE Switch-It - 2 Tortoises, $24.95. NCE Switch-8, 8 Tortoise, $69.95.

CVP AD4LC, 4 Tortoises, $25.

All of those can drive more than one Tortoise per output (at least 2), so a crossover only needs 1 output.

--Randy