I have 12 Tortoise Slow Motion Switch controls & was going to use terminal blocks to wire them together then to the DC power pack. Is this a good idea & can I use DPDT switches doing this? I got confused by Easy Model RR Wiring by Model RR. jaijef
I also use Tortoise machines. Here's what I've done: Your idea of wiring them to termininal blocks is the first step, and a very good idea. Next supply them with constant voltage, I reworked two radio shack powersupplys to supply bi-polar DC at a nominal 9volts to the power connections, that way the motors travel nice and slow. The instructions with the Tortoises come with 3 different connection options. I used connection suggestion 2 ( Bi-polar DC with SPST). I decided on this method because it lessened the number of wires under the layout, also it allows me to use SPST (cheaper) switches at my control panel. I would also use a separate power supply to power the tortoises, that way you are not sapping current going to the rails. Love them tortoises! Hope this helps
I just answered this question somewhere else. I like to use the single AC power supply method. This is also on the instruction sheet. I use a 16VAC power supply. On one of the output leads I attach 2 diodes with their anode/cathode ends in opposite directions. The result is you now have 3 wires: +7 volts DC -7 volts DC nuetral Using a SPDT toggle switch, you attach the +7 VDC to one side and the -7 VDC to the other side. From the center of the toggle switch you run a wire to either position 1 or 8 on the Tortoise. Then you attach the nuetral wire to the unused position on the Tortoise (1 or 8). This is a little cheaper than using 2 DC power supplies and a lot cheaper than using DPDT toggle switches. It is also a lot of trouble wiring DPDT to change polarity. David
I use the +- power supplies and SPDT switches, but using a home built twin regulator circuit which was cheap. The output is adjustable and set to +-7.5V, but I have LEDs in series for indication, so the Tortoises actually get about 6V. Real leisurely, so you can't just zip past a turnout, throw the switch, jam the throttle into reverse and move straight back - you have to wait for the dispatcher/brakeman to do their stuff
Hi Jaijaef, I run all wires to terminal blocks close to each turnout motor, so it is easy to loosen a screw to change out a faulty motor. Ground wires are all run to separate terminal blocks all over the layout, since ground is ground. I also use a separate power pack for turnout motors, and additional ones for working accessories where needed.
