Does anyone know what the max current rating is for the auxillary contacts on the Tortoise slow motion switch machines? It doesn’t say on their website.
RF&PRR
Plenty to switch power to the frog. You’re not going to have 5 amps of engine sitting one 1 frog, and most of the time it will be switching an open circuit as you normally throw the turnout BEFORE the train gets there.
–Randy
As for the other use, signal logic, the current requirements for the various systems are insignificant. I’m not sure what the Tortoise contact current rating is, but I’m confident it’s more than required to trip a signal module or power a couple of lights.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
This information is contained in the instructions supplied with the Tortoise:
The connections on the circuit board are numbered 1 - 8 from left to right. Connections 1 and 8 go to the motor. 2, 3 and 4 connect to one of the internal SPDT auxiliary switches which can be used to power the frog, signals, etc. In similar fashion, 5, 6 and 7 make up the other SPDT switch. These auxiliary switches can switch a maximum of one (1) amp of current (they can safely carry 4 amps on each contact set) and can switch either AC or DC loads. If you need to switch heavier currents, parallel both sets of contacts or you may connect a relay to the output.
You can find the online instructions at the Tonys Trains website: