RE: Switch Machines --> "Tortoise" - "Smail" - "Cobalt"
Warning: (#1)
There is (x1) big major manufacturing flaw when it comes to these types of switch machines.
Warning: (#2)
Check all functions (100%) before mounting these types of switch machines.
"Tortoise" (Circuitron - USA - P/N 800-6000)
"Smail" (Circuitron - USA - P/N 800-6200)
"Cobalt" (DCC Concepts - Australia - P/N DCP-CB1DiP)
Special Notes: (Switch Machines)
- All (x3) require V-DC power supply
- All (x3) use stall motor control (motor always under power)
- All (x3) use the same method type of staking (melting) the moving contacts onto the arm
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I am presently modifying my (x27) "Tortoise" switch track machines,
before re-mounting to my model train layout.
I must damage the manufacture label and remove the (x5) screws for required modifications.
Warning: (#3)
Once the manufacture label is damaged, "All Warranty" is "Void".
Removing the (x5) mounting screws
(#1)
Tortoise Powered Turnout Shorts.
https://sites.google.com/site/...wered-turnout-shorts
(#2)
Adding an internal 0.1Uf 50V capacitor onto the circuit board (x2) motor terminals
https://ogrforum.com/t...82#71256347285334382
(#3)
Adding sound dampeners between switch machine and underside mounting surface.
Using (1/8") double sided foam tape.
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Internal Throw Arm:
- (x2) mounted copper plates
- (x8) contact copper wipers
- (x4) plastic mounting pins = heat melting the (x4) plastic mounting pins
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Actual Experience: (#1)
Of the (x27) "Tortoise" switch track machines, I found (x3) "Tortoise" switch track machines,
with (x1) totally broken "Off" copper wiper plate from the moveable internal throw arm.
Actual Experience: (#2)
Of the (x27) "Tortoise" switch track machines, I found (x4) "Tortoise" switch track machines,
with (x1) partially broken "Off" copper plate from the moveable internal throw arm.
Actual Experience: (#3)
Out of (x27) "Tortoise" switch track machines, I found (x7) "Tortoise" switch track machines faulty.
That is almost a (24%) failure rate.
It only takes (x1) switch track machine, to screw up the model train layout.
Actual Experience: (#4)
While repairing the movable internal throw arm, the plastic seems to be made of ABS.
ABS is a low cost engineering plastic that is easy to machine and fabricate. (a harder plastic).
The (x7) "Tortoise" switch track machines that I found to be faulty, had one or more of the plastic mounting pins, incorrectly heat melted.
Some of the tops of the hard plastic heat melted pins, broke off.
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Testing Procedure: (#1)
Test "All" switch track machines, before mounting to a model train layout.
Take each switch track machine and shake it.
If you hear an inside rattle sound, a copper plate is broken "Off".
Testing Procedure: (#2)
Connect a constant 9.V-DC power supply (Battery) to the (x2) motor terminals of the switch machine.
The throw arm will go to designated polarity location.
Check the (x2) individual switch contact points, for electrical connections.
Testing Procedure: (#3)
Reverse the constant 9.V-DC power supply (Battery) to the (x2) motor terminals of the switch machine.
The throw arm will move into the "Opposite" designated polarity location.
Check the other (x2) individual switch contact points, for electrical connections.
[ED-RRR]......
