As mentioned earlier, the motor in the TORTOISE is powered continuously and merely
stalls out at the end of the throw. The motor will not be harmed by continuous application
of 12 volts DC or less. In fact, even if AC is inadvertently applied to the motor terminals
(1 and 8), no harm will be done as long as it is 12 volts or less. The TORTOISE will not
work with AC , of course, but it will not be damaged. There are basically three different
methods of providing the changeable polarity DC necessary to make the TORTOISE run in
both directions.
1. DC WITH CROSS WIRED DPDT SWITCHES:
This system uses the most basic power
source, a simple DC supply of not more than 12 volts. Lesser voltages will make the
TORTOISE run slower (and quieter). The power supply need not be filtered. Each
TORTOISE will draw 15-16 ma. at stall, so 30 switch machines can be powered by a
single 9 or 12 volt, 500 ma. wall plug adapter (available from Radio Shack). Any type of
DPDT switch (toggle, slide, etc.) can be used to switch the polarity. This system will have
two wires running from the control panel to each TORTOISE. See Diagram 1 below.
2. BI-POLAR DC WITH SPDT SWITCHES:
This system requires two similar DC supplies of
not more than 12 volts each. They are wired in series with the (+) of one supply
connected to the ( - ) of the other supply. This common connection feeds a bus wire that
runs around the entire layout. One of the motor connections from each TORTOISE
connects to this bus. Single pole switches connect either the (+) supply or the ( - ) supply
to the single wire that runs from the panel to the remaining TORTOISE motor connection.
This system offers simplified wiring and the use of lower cost SPDT switches for control.
This is offset slightly by the increased cost of the two supplies. See Diagram 2 below.
3. AC WITH STEERING DIODES:
This system utilizes a standard AC Transformer in
conjunction with two diodes to provide half-wave rectified DC to the switch machines.
One side of the transformer output feeds a layout bus wire as in (2) above. The other lead
from the transformer is connected to two diodes, each of which then powers a panel bus
which is connected to the SPDT switches. Note the polarity of the diodes. Only one wire
runs from each panel switch to the respective TORTOISE. Since the system is supplying
only half-wave DC, the voltage of the transformer should be 14 - 16 volts to
compensate. See Diagram 3 below.
PANEL LIGHTS / SIGNALS
(See Diagram 4 above or Request Application Note AN-6000-07 for more detailed wiring diagrams)
Although the auxiliary contacts on the TORTOISE may be used to power panel lamps or signals, the low current draw or the TORTOISE allows
you to wire Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) directly in series with the motor. If both red and green (or bi-color) LEDs are wired in reverse parallel,
the direction of turnout throw will be indicated without having to run any wiring back to the panel! In addition, the LED will light dimly during
the throw but will come up to full brightness when lock-up occurs. There is no limit to the number of LEDs that may be wired in series, but
each LED will reduce the voltage reaching the TORTOISE by 2 volts. You may want to increase the supply voltage to compensate.
FINAL ASSEMBLY / ADJUSTMENT
After the TORTOISE is wired, slide the straight end of the spring wire up through the fulcrum and through the hole in the throwbar. Insert the
bent end into the small hole in the TORTOISE throwarm. Re-install the phillips retaining screw and tighten it down until it LIGHTLY contacts
the wire.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!
Test the operation under power.
DO NOT TRY TO MOVE THE THROWARM BY HAND EXCEPT WITH EXTREME CARE!
DAMAGE TO THE GEARS MAY RESULT!
Check the tension on the points and adjust the fulcrum , if necessary, to achieve the desired tension and
throw. Fix the position of the fulcrum with a small spot of RTV (Silicone caulk). If the TORTOISE runs (crawls?) in the wrong direction when
power is applied, interchange the motor connections (1 and 8).
LIMITED WARRANTY
CIRCUITRON warrants the TORTOISE against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of nine (9) years from the date of purchase. CIRCUITRON will
repair or, at its option, replace those components that prove defective, provided the product is returned (properly packed and shipping prepaid) directly to the
factory. This warranty covers all defects incurred in normal use of the TORTOISE and does not apply in the following cases:
1. If damage to the device results from abuse, mishandling, accident or failure to follow instructions.
2. If failure of the auxiliary switching contacts results from application of current loads exceeding the ratings.
3. If either the product label or date stamp label have been damaged, altered or removed.
4. If the product has been used for a purpose other than that intended or in a commercial or club layout.
Requests for warranty service must include a dated proof of purchase, a written description of the nature of the problem and $3.00 US for shipping and handling
(outside the US, include $5.00 US).
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, NO OTHER WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, ON THE PART OF
CIRCUITRON OR ANY OTHER PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION, APPLIES TO THIS DEVICE.
CIRCUITRON, INC., 211 RocBaar Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446
F
IGURE
2.
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