I'm adding STM2 switch monitors to my layout, which has Tortoise switch machines controlled by (a) LCS layout software (love this interface for controlling switches; it's visual and there's no need to memorize switch numbers or scrolling to find the switch), (b) CAB2 remote via ASC2, and (c) DCS remote via AIU. I use momentary contacts along with relays to switch polarity on the tortoise switch motors. Works flawlessly. All of the relays/ASC's/AIU's/STM's are on a centralized board with only power wires heading out to the tortoise machines.
There's a couple of things I would like advice on:
First I noticed that my 12v DC power supply is really outputting closer to 13.5v. The tortoise machines have not had issues to date, but do i need to switch power sources to one with perhaps a pot to trim this output back to 10-12v range? I'm concerned that I may be shortening the life of my switch machines by supplying more than 12v.
Second, the STM2 requires an input to sense the thrown direction of the switch. It needs 2.5-5v dc. So the question is, what's the best way to do this? Will a simple resistor suffice, since the number of switches on the circuit will not change (ie, relatively constant current consumption), or do I need to invest in some kind of power step-down buck to get the output voltage from the switch (which is currently 13.5v or 0v depending on throw of switch) down to the 5v range? ...or is there another option??
I did try adding a 4.5MΩ resistor for a trial of the device and it gave desired voltage range and the STM responded as expected, showing switch changes issued by remote on the LCS display. However, is this risky?
-Scott
