Rookie fooling with a Tortoise

[V&TFAN]

It can’t be this hard. I’m wiring Tortoise motors for my switches. I’m going to power them with my old MRC Power Pack. The power pack has outlets for “Track”, “Accessory”, and “Fixed DC. I will be using a DPDT toggle to control the Tortoise. The Tortoise only seems to work on the “Track” outlet. The hobby shop says the Tortoise should be run off the “Accessory”.

Also does it matter what gauge wire I use as a Bus for the switches, or from the DPDT switches to the Tortoise?

I will eventually be running 8-10 motors. There are more facts, but I don’t want to “color” your opinions. If you need more info ask away.

Thanks in advance

Charles

 

[ianacole]

If I remember correctly, accessory is AC and track is DC. Tortoises require DC.

 

[V&TFAN]

Would I be better off buying a dedicated DC power supply?

 

[ianacole]

I think so. I bought the 12V DC power supply from Radio Shack and cut off the plug end for the bare wire. Takes much less space.

 

[V&TFAN]

The cobwebs are slowly clearing away.

Thanks for the info.

Charles

 

[V&TFAN]

If I use the DC Track output, to test the machines for function, do I need to have the throttle set at full?

Charles

 

[ianacole]

If it's a typical throttle, max voltage is ~17VDC. I wouldn't run it at full...maybe 1/2 - 2/3. If you have a voltmeter, you can run the leads to the lugs then adjust the throttle until you're seeing 12VDC.

 

[V&TFAN]

Thanks for the info