This stationary decoder is designed for two stall motor type turnout actuators. It has two outputs and has two addresses. I want to throw two tortoises at the same time. Can I program both sides to the same address? Or has anyone tried to actuate two torti with only one of the outputs? This decoder uses track voltage and I am using a Zephyr with no additional booster.
Thanks,
I’ve run two Tortoises off of a stationary decoder output with no problems. It was a Digitrax DS64 but I don’t see why it would be a problem with the NCE. Tortoises draw very low current, which is why you can put an LED in series as an indicator light. If all else fails you can cascade them together with a route, if NCE supports local routes on this model.
The documentation that comes with the Switch-It mentions this very use on page 4 of the instructions under Other Technical Stuff:
“We have successfully controlled two Tortoise switch machines with one decoder output when used in a crossover. We can’t guarantee this will work in all cases.”
I’ve done about 14 sets of crossovers using just one side of the decoder. One decoder I have done with 2 tortoises on each output. No problems so far and some of them have been in place for 8 - 9 months.
Tim