I need a clear diagram of wiring an MTH AIU unit to a Tortoise to an Atlas switch with a independently wired frog for a 2-rail O-scale layout. Can anyone send me something? It would be very appreciated. My email is ntyler(at)emich.edu.
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I appreciate the response from Matt. What I forgot to mention in my query was that I am using MTH Remote Control units to controls the switches. This is where I get confused in the wiring.
I appreciate the response from Matt. What I forgot to mention in my query was that I am using MTH Remote Control units to controls the switches. This is where I get confused in the wiring.
If you're using the MTH switch controllers as opposed to an AIU, you'd use the same PDF diagram used for the AIU. ScaleTrax and RealTrax controllers wire the same way, but the ScaleTrax controllers stick sometimes. The RealTrax controllers are more robust.
The "best" way to wire tortoise machines is using "On-On" SPDT switches and diodes as shown in the right side of the image above. This will give you signal indications of the turnout positions, plus you can put indicator LED signals by the turnouts. The Tortoise has an internal resistance of 600 Ohms so no additional resistors are required.
As for frog power, here's the diagram of the Tortoise internal relays. They should be able to handle the momentary current draw of locomotives passing over the frog