i dont see why not

i dont see why not, just run the switches in parallel and make sure they are momentary contact

And when

using momentary switches you need to hold the switch down/over until the the points have thrown completley.

Bernd

if you use  constant contact

if you use  constant contact switches you will have to go the other switch to re-center it before you can use the second switch. .. if you dont want to wait for the points to close you can use a relay, But i really dont think holding the switch for a few seconds is a huge hassle personally

  Try this

This circuit acts exactly like 3-way wall switches.  Toggling either switch will change the position of the turnout from where it was.  I can’t see any reason that you couldn’t extend this to as many DPDT switches as you might desire.  Here is a simple schematic in jpeg form.  Not my idea of the best user interface, but there you go.  The one big disadvantage for this approach is that you can’t tell how the turnout is thrown from the position of either switch.   So if you can’t see the turnout position, you would need some kind of indicator.

– Mike Baynes

Use DPDP Center OFF spring loaded switches

I use exactly the setup you desire.  Use Radio Shack part Number 275-709 ( DPDT CTR OFF spring ). I connected pwr source to center lugs.  Tortoise connects to outside lugs ( either end , NOT both ends ! ). You need the cross connection, in  X  fashion, to enable the polarity to reverse when switch is engaged. I actually have one turnout I control from three different places, works like a charm.  If you can't see the actual turnout, just throw the switch in the desired direction for 3 count.  I use 9 volts from a battery pack, and it takes 3 seconds for Tortoise to go full over.  I you are using PECO turnouts, and don't want to remove "over center" snap spring, use a .032" music wire instead of stock Centronics wire.  Works fine. Just wire up all your switches the same.  Good luck, 

Stall motors

Don't tortoise machines need constant power to hold their position being that they are stall motors?

I find mine back off a little when the power is off. (I now use NCE "switch its" to throw mine via DCC)

Dear Rico, In basic terms,

Dear Rico,

In basic terms, yes, Tortoises need constant power while changing position. However, once at the desired position, power can be removed and they will stay essentially where they were left. With "centre off" toggles, just "flicking" the toggle won't completely throw the Tortoise, you're absolutely on the ball there. However, if the user presses and holds the toggle, the Tortoise will make the desired movement.

Using such centre-off/momentary toggles has the benefit of only powering any given Tortoise when it's in-motion. The power supply is not being loaded down by Tortoises "at stall".

However, I forsee a potential issue is 2 or more operators all try to throw the same turnout (and thus are holding down their respective momentary toggles) at the same time. It's concievable that this could present a short circuit condition, with possible bad results.

Personally, I'd opt to deploy a stall-motor 555-based circuit a la the Rob Paisley "Electronics for model RRs" website. http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/556Stall08.html

Multiple press-button (or momentary centre-off toggle) switches can be simply parallel connected, and are only switching 12V low-current logic lines. The 555-chip does not care if multiple operators try to throw the turnout at the same time, and will work out what to do if near-simultanous contradictory commands are recieved.
(No risk of short circuiting the comparatively high-current Tortoise PSU either!)

As always with Model RRing, there are umpteen different ways to peel a feline...

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

In Free-mo we use Mike's diagram

It's the simplest, 2 components (2 dpdt switches), and is very easy to wire. It's been 100% reliable and not subject to bad momentary buttons/bad electronic boards. Only difference is we use DPDT on/on pushbuttons due to liking it's neutrality and not subject to having the toggle lever not in alignment with the points of the turnout.

Chris Palomarez

Mike, I don't believe this is

Mike, I don't believe this is the way 3 way light switches are wired-you wouldn't be able to turn off your light. A third wire is needed, the wiring is different as are the switches. That being said, your diagram does work perfectly for the Tourtoise application intended, however.

S

aux contacts

you could just use the auxiliary contacts on the tortoise for the indicator lights

Notice that I didn't say

Notice that I didn't say anything about this circuit being wired like 3 way light switches.  Only that it ACTS like 3 way light switches.  Toggle either switch and the output will toggle, plus to minus in this case versus on/off with the 3 way light switches.

   -Mike

DPDT on-on pushbuttons

DPDT on-on pushbuttons.....

Where did you find these gems? How long have you been using them? Have they been reliable? Is there a TPDT verson?

Wazzzy

DPDT Pushbutton Info

Tortoise Control

This arrangement on my layout uses SPST momentary contact switches and an inexpensive latching relay. You can have as many pushbuttons switches as you like for the same Tortoise. Press any button and the Tortoise will throw completely even if you only tap the switch. No need to hold down the button and the Tortoise stays stalled so no creep back of the points. Original post describing the circuit is here:  http://www.lkorailroad.com/tortoise-control/

Review Again

I'm marking this for review again at another time.

I was wondering about utilizing Tortoise machines with Peco turnouts WITHOUT removing the springs in the Pecos. Turns out I have a lot of both, but I've been hesitant about using the Tortoise  units.

More Answers for Randy Than He Asked For.

See one of the early posts in this thread. dave2744 says to use a heavier wire - 0.032" - than that supplied with the Tortoise. Our club has been doing this on our sprung Pecos for years with no problems.

We have been using the two-DPDT method for control, and on newer work we use the latch system from Alan at LK&O, also cited in this thread. As time allows (!) we plan to change DPDT stuff to latches.

To indicate at the control panel the position of a turnout we use Red/Green LED. Put it in series with the Tortoise after the last DPDT toggle. Instead of at the panel it can be put next to the turnout where anybody approaching it with a train can see the indication. The Tortoise has enough resistance that no additional resistor is needed with 12VDC. 

DrJolS

Simple answer is Yes

David,

As you can see from all of the responses the answer is yes you can.  Your choice becomes how do YOU want to power the machines.

The way I do mine is different form most but no better or worse then any of the answers you received.   

Good luck with your project 

Andy