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tortise

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  • Member since
    January 2011
  • 52 posts
Posted by KHM60 on Friday, November 11, 2011 11:55 PM

what is a wall wart

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Central Texas
  • 251 posts
Posted by novicerr on Friday, November 11, 2011 4:26 PM

I am using a wall wart that can be set for different voltages dc. I have mine set on 9.6 v, and it handles the 11 tortise I have installed. Might have to kick it up to 12volts if I add much more to it. Used to be able to get them at Radio Shack, don't know if they still have them or not.

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • 52 posts
Posted by KHM60 on Friday, November 11, 2011 1:22 PM

thanks for the responses going to go find an old transformer that puts out dc constant

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Friday, November 11, 2011 12:40 PM

KHM60

can you power a tortise with an AC and if using DC does the switch have to have a center off position

All of my Tortoises are powered by DC, and I use DPDT switches but not the type with the Center Off position. 

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,879 posts
Posted by maxman on Friday, November 11, 2011 12:13 PM

cuyama

 maxman:
No, you need DC for a Tortoise.

Unless you add the steering diodes to an AC source as noted on the Circuitron instructions (Option 3).

Of course, you are correct.  But then the Tortoise is technically being DC powered, is it not?  I guess I assumed the question was more of a what power supply do I need, rather than what can I do to make the current power supply I have work.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern CA Bay Area
  • 4,387 posts
Posted by cuyama on Friday, November 11, 2011 12:01 PM

maxman
No, you need DC for a Tortoise.

Unless you add the steering diodes to an AC source as noted on the Circuitron instructions (Option 3).

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern CA Bay Area
  • 4,387 posts
Posted by cuyama on Friday, November 11, 2011 11:59 AM

KHM60
can you power a tortise with an AC

Yes. You must add diodes with AC.

KHM60
and if using DC does the switch have to have a center off position

No. These are "stall motors".

All your questions are answered in the downloadable instruction sheet on the Circuitron site.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,879 posts
Posted by maxman on Friday, November 11, 2011 11:56 AM

KHM60

can you power a tortise with an AC and if using DC does the switch have to have a center off position

No, you need DC for a Tortoise.

And no, you don't need a center off if using DC.  The Tortoise is a stall motor machine, and the continuous power keeps the points thrown against the stock rail.

Tortoise instructions are here: http://www.circuitron.com/index_files/INS/800-6000ins.pdf

And Tortoise application notes are here: http://www.circuitron.com/index_files/Page635.htm

Regards

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • 52 posts
tortise
Posted by KHM60 on Friday, November 11, 2011 11:20 AM

can you power a tortise with an AC and if using DC does the switch have to have a center off position

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