Just picked up 2 wabbits and 4 tortoise switch machines. What is the best way to fix the wabbit to underside of train table?
I used 1/2 inch long tube washers / spacers with 3/4 inch wood screws to offset the board from the underside to insure some air circulation. I mounted a dozen wabbit's this way.
Rick, I am happy with both the Wabbits and the Tortoises. I have them all programmed with addresses so I can switch them from my cab and from JMRI. I also have a control panel (temporary) with SPDT rockers with center off. I am planning on wiring LEDs from the Wabbits to the control panel to indicate whether they are thrown or not.
I have two reversing loops so I hope to have continuous running once the wabbit is in and a small amount of track remaining to be laid; the continuous running for guests and when I am alone and want to switch while a train slowly circles the layout.
Rick, I cannot remember if it is from the Wabbit or the Tortoise, but you can set it up so that if you are approaching a turnout that is set wrong for your entry, it will detect the train, remove power (stopping the train), throw that switch and then power the track so the train can continue on its way. I have not done that on my reversing loops yet but did do it in my passenger station.
Its the Wabbit (Wabbit = 2 Hares) that is auto throw, didn't know it would stop a train if not thrown correctly, wondering if your trigger section is too close to the turnout. Also I was reading where a guy said it is easier to wire a Hare as it comes with an attachment, much like you can get for tortoises, but the Wabbit doesn't, kind of like the old tortoises. He suggests two Hares are easier to wire than one Wabbit.
Rick, I don't have the instructions for the Wabbit handy, but I do not think it make a difference of how far or close to the turnout you put the trigger, the section is dead until the turnout completes throwing. If it did not work this way, the train (depending on speed) could enter the turnout while it is still moving the points. I looked at both the Hares and the Wabbits, pretty certain the Wabbits has a couple of extra feature.
Paul, here's what I copied, link below: Both the Hare and the Wabbit offer the same exclusive, advanced operating features and program ability. The Hare is designed to plug onto and drive a single TortoiseŒ switch machine, the PnP feature eliminates many wiring connections. The Wabbit is designed to control two Stall Motor switch machines so it is not possible plug-in. They both have all the same exclusive features, like Auto Throw, Smart Routes, etc. Either of these can be installed with all the “bells and whistles”, or as a simple switch machine controller. If they do the same thing, what is the difference between them? The big difference is the time it takes for installation. The Hare has the TortoiseŒ connector built-in and the Wabbit requires either wiring in a connector or soldering wires directly to the switch machine. Shown below are various sequential installation steps comparing the # of connections for the HARE vs the Wabbit. The HARE saves you time and the Wabbit saves you $’s. http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/pdf/hare_v_wabbit.pdf
Rick, I am guessing that I went with saving money then and I did buy the connector pieces for the Tortoise to simplify wiring them up.
