Hello all, can anyone tell me if the switch machine comes with push button switches or mustthey be purchased seperately from somewhere like Radio Shack?
JHinPA Hello all, can anyone tell me if the switch machine comes with push button switches or mustthey be purchased seperately from somewhere like Radio Shack?
The Tortoise is just the machine. It requires about 9-12 volts DC to operate. A 'push' button is not a real good choice as the Tortoise can require 1-2 seconds to completely throw a turnout(slow motion). The instructions give several wiring options for hook-up. The Tortoise is very reliable.
Hers a copy of the installation/wiring instructions:
http://www.circuitron.com/index_files/INS/800-6000ins.pdf
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Most folks use DPDP switches on a panel to reverse the power for a Tortoise and throw the switch. The Tortoise is meant to be powered at all times, having a "stall motor". A small 12 volt DC power supply (there's one from Circuitron) will power 30 or so Tortoises. The DPDT just reverses the DC power to the two Tortoise motor contacts, just two of with contacts that can be used on the Tortoise. The other contacts are two sets of three that can be used to activate (reverse) auxiliary needs from the switch points; e.g., changing polarity consistent with direction for isolated turnout frogs, changing signal liights, etc.
Consider, if using DPDTs for Tortoises if you choose them, a control panel with diagram as explained in the January 2012 MR "Build A Control Panel". A nifty project, a piece of aluminum sheet and a bunch of DPDTs (and optional position LEDs) is not too hard but an option from my former experience with Atlas pushbutton turnout operations with their machines and panel switches that are also available. Depends on what you prefer after investigating. I certainly like the Tortoises.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
The LION and the Tortoise! No buttons or switches, the options are so great on how you want to control them that there would be no reason to provide a thing like that.
Here is control panel of LION:
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Thanks for the info PEAHERNS, so must the switch be a DPDT with center-off or is it a DPDT on -off, and when you throw the switch does it stay in that position until you wanna go the oppisite way
JHinPA Thanks for the info PEAHERNS, so must the switch be a DPDT with center-off or is it a DPDT on -off, and when you throw the switch does it stay in that position until you wanna go the oppisite way
DPDT (on-off) would be your best bet. As has been mentioned in earlier posts, Tortoise machines are designed to be powered at all times.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
You want ones that are NOT center off - they will be marked (ON - ON). Tortoises want power all the time - it's a small amount, a 500ma power supply can run at least 25 of them. The extra bonus is that if you put the switch in the panel the right way, the handle will point toward the route the train will take. The sneaky part - on a typical toggle switch, the contacts being connected are the opposite fromt he way the handle points. So if you move the handle up, it's the bottom contacts that are connected. If you end up witht he switch pointing the wrong way in the control panel, you can either just spin it around, or flip withe wires going to pins 1 and 8 on the Tortoise, whichever is easiest to change.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
If you use a DPDT switch it should be On-On. Tortoise switches should stay in the direction thrown, but should always be powered otherwise vibrations may allow a switch point to move.
You do not want a 'center off' DPDT. The Tortoise motor 'stalls' and draws about 17-18 ma of current when stalled. I have something like 52 of them, and they are powered by 4 'wall wart' power supplies.
Thanks Jim, just saw the link to the wiring directions that really helps me understand how these work. I am used to ATLAS switches with the snap machines but I think they look toyish. think i'm gonna go with 1st way of wiring them, seems to be the easyist. THANKS GUYS FOR ALL THE HELP!
jrbernier You do not want a 'center off' DPDT. The Tortoise motor 'stalls' and draws about 17-18 ma of current when stalled. I have something like 52 of them, and they are powered by 4 'wall wart' power supplies. Jim
is this true of all dpdt toggles or is it just if you put the switch in off and leave it there?
DPDT toggles can be found in several configurations. The center-off 'momentary' variety returned to the center off position when released. The 'fixed' versions 'lock' to the position you move then to. For the Tortoise, you want a fixed DPDT with NO center off position.
jrbernier DPDT toggles can be found in several configurations. The center-off 'momentary' variety returned to the center off position when released. The 'fixed' versions 'lock' to the position you move then to. For the Tortoise, you want a fixed DPDT with NO center off position. Jim
well I have a pile of real nice ones already that have the center off, there's no good way of using those even if I don't let it stop in the off position?
matthewd5 jrbernier DPDT toggles can be found in several configurations. The center-off 'momentary' variety returned to the center off position when released. The 'fixed' versions 'lock' to the position you move then to. For the Tortoise, you want a fixed DPDT with NO center off position. Jim well I have a pile of real nice ones already that have the center off, there's no good way of using those even if I don't let it stop in the off position?
Joe