"PULSE" on DCS REMOTE

Just to be clear, are you using an MTH AIU? 

And by "sound" do you mean a 1/2 sec click coming from the AIU?

If using an AIU what is your Tortoise power source and how is it wired?

it means the relay is clicking when you access threw the remote!

Alan

@stan2004 posted:

Just to be clear, are you using an MTH AIU?

And by "sound" do you mean a 1/2 sec click coming from the AIU?

If using an AIU what is your Tortoise power source and how is it wired?

Stan,

I am using an MTH AIU. When I say sound I mean from the tortoise switches. I am using an MTH Z4000 as power source.

@Alan Mancus posted:

it means the relay is clicking when you access threw the remote!

Alan

Alan,

Thank you. Where do I start to correct this?

Above from Tortoise instructions.  If you are using the Z-4000 as a power source for the Tortoise, then this is option 3.  The Tortoise wants DC.  As shown, you need to add a couple diodes.  In the diagram the function of the SPDT switch is being replaced by the AIU.  However, the AIU SW ports only close its outputs momentarily...in fact for exact 1/2 second when your press "straight" or "diverge" on the remote.  This was designed for the snap-action of the solenoid type switch machines.  So you need to use external latching relays to use the Tortoise with an AIU.

There have been many OGR threads covering the options which should be easy to find.  I'd think an OGR search requiring the words: AIU latching relay tortoise would get you many threads...or if too many restrict to posts by stan2004.

I  misspoke about the power source. I actually am using two 12 volt wall transformers to power the tortoise switches. I am using the AIU accessory outputs to throw the switches.

Right.  So you are using option 2 in the Tortoise diagrams.  You have two 12V DC-output adapters connected as shown.  And you have re-wired the 3-terminals of the SPDT manual toggle switch to the 3-terminals of an AIU SW port.

Same "problem."  That is, when you press "straight" or "diverge" the AIU relay clicks (or "pulses" to use the terminology of the day) for only 1/2 sec.  I suspect that if you wired it correctly each time the Tortoise moves just few degrees (it is only getting power for 1/2 second).  Then do it again in the same direction and it moves a bit more.  Then maybe after a dozen presses (or whatever) the turtle finally makes it to the other side?

You still need a latching relay for each Tortoise.  Again, try an Advanced OGR search with the terms suggested. Note that if you use the suggested external latching relay per the MTH website, it would be something like $40 per Tortoise!

In round numbers an off the shelf latching relay is about $10.  If you don't mind some soldering or wiring you can get it down to maybe $2 per Tortoise.  All this detailed in the various OGR threads. 

@luvindemtrains posted:

I  misspoke about the power source. I actually am using two 12 volt wall transformers to power the tortoise switches. I am using the AIU accessory outputs to throw the switches.

Oops.  I didn't see that you are using the AIU ACC outputs (not the AIU SW outputs).

You should be good to go.  Using the option 2 wiring (two 12V DC output adapters), you can wire an ACC port which acts like a latching SPDT relay.  On the DCS remote, you press the ON and OFF icons...not the ACT icon.  ON sets the Tortoise going one way, OFF sets the Tortoise going the other way.