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Servo v. Tortoises
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Mark Kasprowicz
Like many I installed Tortoise turnout motors from the first time I saw them in operations - mmmmdiddly years ago. Recently I wanted to change the track layout at the back of my RR and didn't fancy crawling around trying to get the things installed underneath. So I decided to try surface mounted 9g servos using tube and wire control. I joined a UK organisation MERG which specialises in model RR electronics and bought kits for servo controllers each powering four plus the servo setting controller. You have to build these youself BTW, involves soldering. Installed, aka glued in place, I can adjust the throw and the speed, something you cannot do with a Tortoise. and they are cheap. So my upcoming East German NG layout centred aound a sausage making town in Saxony - 'The Wurst Railway' - will have turnouts and signals powered with servos.
Mark K
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Mike Conder
Very interesting, do you have to be a member to get the controller kits? Would love to learn more about them. And love your new railroad name ... 😁😁 Mike Conder
On Wed, Dec 1, 2021 at 10:58 AM Mark Kasprowicz <mark@...> wrote: Like many I installed Tortoise turnout motors from the first time I saw them in operations - mmmmdiddly years ago. Recently I wanted to change the track layout at the back of my RR and didn't fancy crawling around trying to get the things installed underneath. So I decided to try surface mounted 9g servos using tube and wire control. I joined a UK organisation MERG which specialises in model RR electronics and bought kits for servo controllers each powering four plus the servo setting controller. You have to build these youself BTW, involves soldering. Installed, aka glued in place, I can adjust the throw and the speed, something you cannot do with a Tortoise. and they are cheap. So my upcoming East German NG layout centred aound a sausage making town in Saxony - 'The Wurst Railway' - will have turnouts and signals powered with servos.
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I, too, am a member of MERG (https://www.merg.org.uk/merg_kitlocker/)
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and yes, I believe you do have to be a member to order. I've been thoroughly satisfied with everything I've ordered from them. I run MERG boosters off my NCE DCC system and MERG DCOs (electronic circuit breakers). I'm currently assembling a command station (CANCAB) and the other parts necessary to put together a DCC test track I can can interface JMRI to for loco speed matching off the layout. Their forum is extremely helpful - it's like an Open Source community for model railroad electronics. To be honest, most of it is way over my head, but I still reading through the quarterly journals and benefiting from the Tech Bulletins and other resources they offer. Bill Lugg
On 12/1/21 11:07 AM, Mike Conder wrote:
Very interesting, do you have to be a member to get the controller
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Mark Kasprowicz
I am relieved that I am not the only one finding much of it over my head! But some of the projects and of course their kits are well worth the membership and there's always the hope that a blinding light of understanding will one day home in on me - but I'm not holding my breath!
Mark K
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Alan
For those interested in servo operation for turnouts and other things take a look at the EZYBUS from MERG. I have been using it now for about a year and I really like it. PCB boards are small in size and easy to solder. The little stand alone system is easy to setup and it allows you to make adjustments to each servo. NO DCC required either. Not expensive either! Go to the MERG.uk site and read up on it. Decide for yourself!
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