I am very new to this hobby and never used soldering in life. I have bought Atlast HO Code 83 # 6 left and right turnouts, Tortoise switch , DS 52 decoder and I have Digitrax Zephyr. I tried looking for the Tortoise installation help on Google and also this forum. There are many postings which shows pictures / installation but do not explain in detail for a beginner. I am very excited to install the Tortoise but I am frustrated because of the lack of knowledge. If any one from this forum can explain step by step , I will be really thankful. I have following questions …
Where will the Tortoise get the power from ?
How will it be connected to DS52 stationary decoder ?
How will the stationary decoder and Zephyr be connected ?
To start and make it simple, can I use Tortoise switch with out decoder, if yes what are the options I have.
Do I need to buy any thing else for the turnouts ?
Is it a must to use to LED’s with the turnouts/tortoise.
Thanks for all the help !! I want to continue with this hobby and need help from you all.
I am interested in the answers you get too, as I have a Zephyr and have considered Tortoises from time to time. We have a module at the club that is a small industrial area filled with Tortoises - you can select and throw them from your throttle. Too cool.
Anyway, a few answers I have from talking with the guys at the club:
(1) Your Tortoises should (but do not have to) get their power from another power source besides the “powerpack”. However, with only one, you should be ok.
(2) and (3) I am not sure.
(4) You can operate the Tortoise with an electrical switch.
(5) Don’t think so. Just for clarification - do you have one or two Tortoises?
(6) No. If you have transponding capability with that decoder (i.e. it will talk back to the Zephyr) you will be able to see which way the turnout is thrown on your throttle.
I can’t help you with the decoder stuff since i run strictly DC but can certainly help you with the tortoise…you don’t need the LED to use the tortoise and you can use a 12 volt supply to power it…you are also going to have to install a DPDT switch so the tortoise can be operated…I have some drawings that i did in microsoft word that can help you with the tortoise machine…send me your e-mail address and i’ll send you the wiring diagrams in an attachment…also go to my webshot page and here I discuss how to mount the tortoise with pictures and explanations… keep clicking the next button to take you through the series of pictures relating to the tortoise…you can look at all the pictures if you want too… http://community.webshots.com/photo/137793353/245295018tpquTj
Ken has answered mosst of your questions very well. I will add that the Tortoise machines do NOT have to be operated through the Zephyr. It is easier to switch that way, but not necessary.
The Tortoise machines should come with wiring instructions. You can check this site: http://www.wiringfordcc.com/sw_ctl.htm . They seem to have a lot of information that might be useful to you.
I have wired a few tortioses on my HO layout and I am located in Richmond. If you are interested in seeing how they are set up send me a note off line at knewsom@yahoo.com.
I am located in Northside over in Ginter Park. Send me an email offline at knewsom@yahoo.com if you are interested in seeing how I wired up my tortoises to the control panel.