I'm curious as to what works best for controlling Tortoise switch machines. It looks like there are options from several manufacturers.
Jack: I don't have tortoise switch machines, but the Digitrax DS-52 will operate two tortoise switch machines. I use the Digitrax DS-52 to operate Unitrack turnouts. Each DS-52 will operate two turnouts. I'm sure there are other choices available. Stay cool and run steam....
Jack, I am a Lenz user and am using two different turnout decoders. One, the LS150 from Lenz is a good reliable unit that will control 6 turnouts. The other is the Hare decoder made specifically to plug directly into the bottom of the Tortoise. Categorically, the Hare is my choice for these reasons: Easy to deploy, Plug it into the bottom of the machine, connect two wires to the track and you have the same functionality of the LS150. If you want switch position indication, wire the LED's directly to the Hare (no need for a resistor, built in) and you have switch position indication. If you want manual control, wire a spst push button to the Hare and each time you push the button the Hare moves from one position to the other and the LED's change too. I cannot imagine an easier method. And there is more, much more if you wanted to implement. Their new Wrabbit is the same as the Hare except it runs two different tortoises independently. The Wrabbit is the cheaper way to go and it is more expensive than the LS150, but you will spend every bit as much if you want all the same things. I am in the process of moving to CTI Electronics for signaling and intend to eventually use it for everything but engine control, which will still use my Lenz system, and I can use both the computer and the LH100 throttle to control my trains. Merry Christmas! Joe Good luck Joe Daddy PS, I purchased my Tortoise and Hare hardware used right here on Trainboard from Hutch.I am a happy camper!
I use Tortoise on all my turnouts. On the one's that I wish to control from a cab I use NCE SwitchIt's. They permit using a cab to activate each Tortoise and also permit push buttons if desired. Each SwitchIt can control two Tortoise individually or four Tortoise with two in tandem from each circuit. They have been trouble free for almost two years now and cost about $22.00 each. So that's about $11.00 per turnout unless you are using four Tortoise with each pair controlled separately, then it is $5.50 per Tortise.
Jack, Following on from the above replies, have a look at the following page from Tony's; http://www.tonystrains.com/products/type_stadecs_1.htm It shows the stationary decoders available from Digitrax, Lenz and NCE, and has links to various notes regarding the use of these.
I'm liking the looks of those Wabbit-Tortoise combos. Still requires some lap soldering, but not on a circuit board (easier).
