Notes:
This decoder is designed to control Tortoise, SwitchMaster or other low current "stall
motor" switch machines. The outputs are rated for 50mA maximum. Most Tortoise
machines draw
1
0 to
20
mA with normal track voltage (about 13-15 volts).
There are
four mounting holes at the corners
of the Switch
-
8
.
Wiring:
See the diagram below for wiring particulars. The only required wires are two wires to
the track and two wires to each machine. It is OK to use the Switch
-
8
for control
of
less
than 8
machine
s
.
Switch machine mounting tip:
On our Tortoise machines we use hot glue to mount the machine. The glue stays
liquid just long enough after application to allow alignment of the machine. We
manually center the arm of the machine then slide the machine around while the glue
sets to align the points to the middle of their throw. The low temperature hot glue is
weak enough to allow removal of the machine later on by prying with a putty knife.
Use a throw wire that is about 6” (150mm) longer than the one provided with the
Tortoise to give you room to put glue on the machine after the wire is put through the
roadbed
.
L
ast revised:
8 November 2006
Page2
T
o
Track
To
rtoi
se Machin
es
Il
lustra
te
d on lef
t
SWITCH-8
wiring
di
agram
TM
Rotary Switch
Setup Ju
mper
