Atlas signal - Tortoise Interlocking
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Bill Wilken
Atlas has published an excellent wiring diagram (see attached) showing
how to create an interlocking connection between its two-headed signal and an Atlas switch motor. I want to substitute a Tortoise switch motor for the Atlas switch motor, but do not want to proceed until I have a clear understanding of how to wire the Tortoise to the Atlas control boards. Among other things, I suspect that in-line resistors may be required, but have not idea of what type.
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wirefordcc
Hi Bill,
This group does not handle attachments. Instead, you need to upload the to the Photos or Files sections. Just name your attachments and tell us where you put them. Thank you! Allan Gartner Wiring for DCC
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Bill Wilken
Thanks. I'll be happy to do so, but what is the URL for the "Files Section?" I can't find any such entry in the website's Site Map/Index.
On Wed, 2020-08-05 at 05:45 -0700, wirefordcc wrote: Hi Bill,
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Carl
Hello Allan: The Toy Train group has switched to allowing attachments. It is really nice to have a picture in the email and not have to search for it. They still have the photo and file sections. It doesn't seem to have caused any problems. Just a thought. Thanks,
Carl.
On 8/5/2020 8:54 AM, Bill Wilken wrote:
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wirefordcc
It's right under Photos on the left menu when you are in the group.
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Brian Lewis
May I enquire why not please? Surely attachments are the
quickest and easiest way to demonstrate you problems/solutions.
On 05/08/2020 13:45, wirefordcc wrote:
Hi Bill, --
Regards and thanks
Brian Lewis
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wirefordcc
Hi Bill,
I reviewed the Atlas schematic you supplied and also went the Atlas website to learn a little bit about the Atlas Signal Control Board (SCB). I found that it does not control the Atlas switch machine or Tortoise as you desire. Rather, the Atlas switch machine or a Tortoise provides input to it. The blue wire you see on the Atlas schematic that goes to the common on the Atlas switch machine would be attached to terminal 4 on a Tortoise. The two green wires shown going to the Atlas switch machine go to terminals 2 and 3 on the Tortoise. If you get the wrong aspect displayed, swap the wires going to 2 and 3. You can control the Tortoise with DCC via an accessory decoder like made by NCE or Digitrax or through any traditional means of controlling a Tortoise switch machine. For more on controlling Tortoise switch machines, visit my website at: http://www.wiringfordcc.com/sw_ctl.htm Allan Gartner Wiring for DCC
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wirefordcc
Hi Brian, Loading them into the photos and files section is easy, too, and doesn’t spread viruses to the computers of group members. The administrators of this forum talk about it every so often and we still don’t want anyone’s computer to be adversely affected.
Allan
From: w4dccqa@groups.io <w4dccqa@groups.io> On Behalf Of Brian Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2020 11:59 AM To: w4dccqa@groups.io Subject: Re: [w4dccqa] Atlas signal - Tortoise Interlocking
May I enquire why not please? Surely attachments are the quickest and easiest way to demonstrate you problems/solutions. On 05/08/2020 13:45, wirefordcc wrote:
-- Regards and thanks
Brian Lewis
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Bill Wilken
Alan, Many thanks. Actually, I do want the switch machine to provide input ... exactly as you suggest. On a number of schematics I've seen showing Tortoises connected to signals, the schematic shows a resistor between the signal and Tortoise. But given that the Atlas signal control board can handle up to 12 volts, I'm guessing that shouldn't be an issue. I'm all set on switch motor wiring. Thank heaven for the availability of SMAILs. The small added charge for the DCC control chip on the switch motor is worth every penny.
On Wed, 2020-08-05 at 11:29 -0700, wirefordcc wrote: Hi Bill,
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wirefordcc
If there is a resistor between the Tortoise and signal, that may be because the Tortoise may being used to drive an LED directly. That isn't an issue with the Atlas SCB.
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Bill Wilken
Alan, Thanks for your help on this. I have only one follow-up question. You indicate the "blue" wire should run from Tortoise terminal 4 to common. But common on what? A rail? Common on the Atlas signal control board? Or common on the BD-20? Bill
On Wed, 2020-08-05 at 11:29 -0700, wirefordcc wrote: Hi Bill,
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wirefordcc
Bill,
The Atlas switch machine has a common terminal. You don’t need to get hung up over the term common. Just look at the Atlas diagram you sent me. You will see a blue wire that went to the Atlas. Instead of connecting that blue to the Atlas, connect it to terminal 4 of the Tortoise.
Allan
From: w4dccqa@groups.io <w4dccqa@groups.io> On Behalf Of Bill Wilken
Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2020 1:43 PM To: w4dccqa@groups.io Subject: Re: [w4dccqa] Atlas signal - Tortoise Interlocking
Alan,
Thanks for your help on this. I have only one follow-up question. You indicate the "blue" wire should run from Tortoise terminal 4 to common. But common on what? A rail? Common on the Atlas signal control board? Or common on the BD-20?
Bill
On Wed, 2020-08-05 at 11:29 -0700, wirefordcc wrote:
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