[aquakiwi]

Can anyone tell me if this is the correct way to wire a Tortoise and NCE Q Snap or what I need to do to make it work? I am hopeless at electrics, this is for a turnout farthest from my control station.
Later I will add another one or two Tortoises at turnouts at the front of the layout. I've tried programming this once or twice but with no luck.

 

[cid]

so kiwi, it's hooked up like this but won't work? Have you set an address for it? (sorry if that feels like a dumb question)

 

[cid]

hmmm, did someone tell you you could use this on a Tortoise? I don't see that online...
I see "Easy address programming, no need to connect it to programming track" so that's cool...

 

[aquakiwi]

Hi Cid
I was told and have seen vidio tutorials that show it working like this one.
How to program The NCE Switch-8 - YouTube but I haven't had any joy as yet.

 

[cid]

kiwi, a Switch-8 and a Q-Snap are two different animals, right?

 

[aquakiwi]

Bugger...................you are right, is there a way you can work the tortoise with a separate power pack and 3 way switch or any way to use my NCE power cab?

 

[cid]

Sure, just use a dpdt toggle switch from a 12v supply, power pack, wal-wart, batteries, etc. or pick up a different model of accessory decoder.

 

[cid]

DPDT two- or three-position, maintained.

 

[cid]

Blue Rail Hobbies has a single acc decoder for 12 bucks, u can get MK2 (double) off ebay for about 30
OR put in a couple of twin coil machines... and use your Q snap.
Sorry to bear bad news...

 

[aquakiwi]

I think I may use the Q Snap for lights, accessories etc and two DPDT's for the two sets of turn outs I have at present. Can anyone point me to a wiring diagram for wiring Tortoises and DPDT's? What voltage should the power pack be?

 

[gregc]

Can anyone point me to a wiring diagram for wiring Tortoises and DPDT's? What voltage should the power pack be?

The Tortoise machine instructions have wiring diagrams and say no more than 12V

 

[MichaelE]

These two items and a power supply for the machines will allow you to run up to eight switch machines from your NCE Powercab and comes with a decoder, two snap switches for operating signals for points, and is compatible with CMRI, stationary DCC decoders, microcontrollers, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.

Walthers Switch Machine w/decoder

Walthers Distribution Card

 

[flyboy2610]

Aquawiki, do you have an old computer laying around? The power supply makes a good power supply for your layout.

Computer power supply for layout power

First, let me say right off the bat: Don't use this to power your DCC system. For that application, use the power source recommended by the manufacturer of the system you use. Second, these power supplies can kill you! Did that get your attention? Good! They have some heavy duty capacitors in...

modelrailroadforums.com

 

[traction fan]

Bugger...................you are right, is there a way you can work the tortoise with a separate power pack and 3 way switch or any way to use my NCE power cab?

aquakiwi;

This won't answer your current question, (that's already been done, just read the Tortoise directions.) But it may help with any other turnout issues you run into.

Traction Fan

 

[aquakiwi]

Thankyou gentlemen, I have wired a couple of DPDT's and an old 12v power pack and it all works a dream...............so simple when you have an idear of what your doing.