Ok another quick question. How do you Guy's control your turnouts with DCC. I have just one turnout on the main line that I would like to control with my DCC system maybe two. So I guess I would need a DS52 decoder and a slow motion machine right???
I would suggest an NCE Switch-It instead. The Switch-It will work with any DCC system. It gets its power from the track buss, supports local pushbuttons, and each unit operates 2 turnouts. It is on a PCB that mounts easily and neatly to the layout or the Tortoise switch machine with double sided foam tape. All connects are to a screw type terminal strip on the PCB. Much easier than the Digitrax unit that looks like a decoder. David
UP Mike: I use the Lenz accessory switch controllers and also some Digitrax DS-52 decoders which will control two turnouts. Stay cool and run steam......
Hey Guys I just finished putting in a slow motion machine. Now I don't know if this is normal.... But sometimes it takes two or three pushes of the keypad to throw the switch Will using a thicker gauge wire do it????? right now I think it's about a 22 gauge. Thanks!!!!!
Mike: Kato uses 24 gauge wire for the wire from their switches. 22 gauge wire should be okay. Stay cool and run steam.....
The tortoise use very little power so the wire size really isn't that important. I use telephone wire which I believe is 24 awg. I am assuming you are using a stationary decoder but you don't state which one. The way a stationary decoder works with a Tortoise type switch machine is the power is continuously on (with most decoders but not all). To change direction it just reverses the polarity. If you are having to send the activate message more than once to get any response then check the power connections from the power to the decoder. If the switch motor is responding but doesn't throw the switch completely, adjust the fulcrum up or down on the Tortoise. Also, check for any interference. This could be the wire throw rubbing. A biggy is the type of turnout you are using. Some turnouts, like Peco, have springs that hold the turnout in position. These springs either need to be removed or a stronger piece of piano wire needs to be used on the Tortoise. David
Hey david I think it might be the wire size but not sure I am using a Digitrax DS 52 I did check the connections a few times so I think it might be the wire size. I am on my way to Radio shack will check back
Ok.... last night I added 24 awg and added another switch machine and picked up a Digitrax PS12. So far everything is working great!!!! no more walking around the layout to throw another hand throw switch
There is a new decoder out for the Tortoise, it also has an auto throw feature. http://tonystrains.com/technews/hare.htm
