I’m using an NCE Switch-8 accessory decoder to control Tortoise switch machines. Is there a way to also control select Tortoises with a panel mounted toggle switch? I like the macro programming ability with DCC control to switch multiple turnouts at the same time for some specific yard operations, but, for select yard turnouts, I would also like to activate them “manually.”
Switch 8 doesn’t have provisions for local control.
Switch-IT and DS64 have connections for local control.
So does the DCC Specialties’ Wabbit for Tortoise machines (only controls 2 turnouts however).
Alan
If I’m correct, the output of the switch-8 is a DC voltage to the Tortoise. And what the decoder does is just change that polarity to get the Tortoise to move.
So instead of connecting this output directly to the Tortoise, would it not be possible to connect the output to a double pole, double throw toggle switch, and then go from the toggle to the Tortoise? Then the toggle switch would act as the polarity changer.
The problem with that solution is the macros would no longer work right.
You don’t say what DCC system you are using. Some systems have input modules that can send switch commands triggered by toggles or pushbuttons attached to the inputs.
Yes, I understand that the macros wouldn’t necessarily work, but then he did ask about an override. The toggle switch is, I think, an option, even though not a perfect one. Certainly better than saying it can’t be done.
On the other hand, if the two positions of the toggle switch were labled DCC and Local, rather than the usual designations of Normal and Reverse, he could look at the turnout in question and throw the switch to the Local position if he wants the turnout to change state. As long as he remembers to throw the toggle to the DCC position when he’s done he should be okay.
I am using an NCE Power Cab system.
I understand the Local/DCC toggle switch idea and I would consider switching to a different accessory decoder. I have ~25 turnouts on my layout. I am unfamiliar with the Switch-IT and DS64 accessory decoders. Can you tell me more about them?
John
You may want to try an NCE Mini Panel. It gives you 30 inputs for pushbutton turnout control or other input.
Greg
The short story is that the Switch-It is 1/4 of a Switch-8. The Switch-It has two outputs. Each output normally controls one Tortoise. However, in a crossover situation one Switch-It output will throw both of the Torti.
The Switch-It has terminals to which one may attach connections to momentary pushbuttons (two pushbuttons per output). The Switch-It may also be programmed so that it only requires one pushbutton per output…each push of the button changes the output state.
When our club purchased accessory decoders we chose the Switch-It over the Switch-8. Although the cost per output was higher with the Switch-It, we liked the ability to have the pushbutton option open to us. There was also the desire not to have all the turnout outputs on the same circuit board basket.
For more information on the switch-It, see: http://www.ncedcc.com/images/stories/manuals/switch_it_c.pdf