Notes:
This decoder is designed to control Tortoise, SwitchMaster or other low current "stall
motor" switch machines. The outputs are rated for 40mA maximum. Most Tortoise
machines draw 10 to 20mA with normal track voltage (about 13-15 volts). There are
four mounting holes at the corners of the Switch-It.
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-It for control of only
one switch machine.
Caution when using local control pushbuttons. The “C” in the drawing above used
as a common for pushbuttons is circuit common for the Switch-It. Do not connect to
other Switch-It common terminals unless the other Switch-Its are connect to the same
power district.
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
.
Last revised: 16 September 2014 Copyright 2014 NCE Corp Page2
To Track
SWITCH
MACHINE
"A"
SWITCH
MACHINE
"B"
Tortoise Machines
Illustrated above
SWITCH-IT wiring diagram
"Local" control push buttons
can be mounted on fascia,
control or dispatcher panels
OPTIONAL
4
3
2
1
SwitchIt-Mk2 Rev A
ADDRESS
DISPLAY
TR
K
1N
1R
2N
2R
C
C
PROGRAM
OUTPUT
SELECT OUTPUT
A B
1
A B
2
O
U
T
P
U
T
L
E
D
S
