NCE Switch-It & Tortoises

QUOTE (Busybeas @ 8 Sep 2007, 03:51) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Having searched, I can't find any reference to anyone using this combo on the forum .

You asked: "I note Circuitron list an option 3 method of wiring.. using A/C and fitting diodes... should ( ? ) allow me to keep my chosen switches.."

***The issue is the way the contacts operate, not AC or DC really. If your FL switches are momentary, then yo ucannot use them for tortoise which is a "stall type" arrangement and should have power on all the time. If FL also make a switch for signals which "latches" ie for light signals, then you could use them.

Re AC or DC - actually solenoids are better operated with DC anyway - AC is commonly used as AC supplies are cheap - no other reason at all.

For tortoise power supply - you could use an old mobile phone charger - a tortoise draws almost no current and the average phone charger will drive ten of them easily.

Re DCC decoders such as Switch-it. They work very well, as do the options mentioned by John/Bromsgrove. It all comes down to whether you want to use a switch or a DCC controller to change them.

Richard

Alternatively... I have discovered the NCE Switch- its on the Bromsgrove Models web site.. These appear to switch the tortoise motors via DCC addressing & control OR using switches.. .this seems a good solution ?

If anyone has experience of this combo, I'd be interested in hearing the comments..

cheers

Steve B

PS
Before anyone asks.. I do much prefer the Fleischmann switches to toggles.. and would like a workaround to retain them if possible.

Thanks Richard,

at the risk of me looking completely thick .. these are the wiring drawings from tortoise..

Specifically "option 3" which appears to use SPDT switches (ie. my Fleischmans) and a/c power with diodes, or is this not the case.. ?

Tortoise wiring jpeg

If I am incorrect,, then it seems I either :
a) abandon these flesichmann switches altogether

or

Obtain NCE Switch it / 8 devices which will allow me to use my fleischmann switches and/or dcc control.

Advice on this would be appreciated.

Cheers

Steve B

Kudos to John R @ Bromsgrove Models,

My Tortoises have just arrived..

This is the first time I have dealt with you John, and l am very pleased with your service, I'll be back.. many thanks.

Cheers

Steve B

ps

Let the tests begin...

Tests completed.. no go.. well moves in one direction but not the other..

seems DC and DPDT switches are the future then Maplins here we come.

I now have some fleischmann switches for sale

thanks for the advice chaps.

Okay.. apologies for the questions..

DPDT switches.. I have read ( but opinions seem to differ) that tortoises need constant power..
so when I buy DPDT switches, do I go for

On / On type

or

On /centre off/ On type..

Presumably the on /on type are the ones that constantly apply power ?

Thanks in advance

Steve B

QUOTE (Robert Stokes @ 11 Sep 2007, 20:45) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Busybeas, I was interested in your comments about the Conrad point motors as I was just about to order some for my layout. Do you think that they were not up to the job just because you have O gauge? I'm wondering whether they would be all right for OO. The price of them is very attractive but not if they won't work properly. I suppose it could be just another case of you get what you pay for. Fulgurex and Tortoise have to be much more expensive for a reason, don't they?

Hi Robert..

the Conrads are perfect for HO/ OO or N gauge. the only reason I had an issue is, they wouldn't operate a bespoke/ hand made 3 way point where the blades were much stronger than in the smaller gauges.

Even the tortoises wouldn't fully switch the blades , until I substituted some real beefy piano wire.. ( in place of the supplied Tortoise Spring) so it was really a resistance issue with the blade throw, rather than the Conrad motors.

For information, I fitted a Conrad to a Peco O gauge point and it worked perfectly ( assisted by the built in Peco over-centre spring). so really no problem with the smaller gauges.. just an issue with my hand made 3 way,which isnt sprung in the "normal peco way"

Btw.. If you are interested, I have 3 conrads that I want to sell...if interested, please Pm me..

Regards

Steve B