Hi:
I am now at the point of installing my Tortoise Machines on my O-Scale (2-Rail) 10 x 22 layout. I will have 18- #5 switches, which have all been hand layed.
I have mocked up the control circuit following the Tortoise instructions utilizing DPDT panel switches.
I plan on using one or two heavier duty wall-warts rated 12VDC, 1.2 Amps. I have 2 LED's per each switch on the panel operating using a 6.8K resistor and the brightness is not high. This was copied off a U-Tube video. The panel LED's do not want to be blindingly bright. This part worked out well.
I have both of the Tortoise internal relays wired in parallel to give me 8 amps for the frogs. I will fuse my power supplies with fast blow 8 Amp buss fuses for protection. Each of the internal relays is only rated at 4 amps.
However: One of the power supplies measures at 18VDC, The other at 16VDC with no load. According to Tortoise, this is not safe for permanent operation. Putting a 12VDC motor across the terminals lowers the voltage by 2VDC for each of the power supplies. Still way too high. Looking for 12VDC.
I trust these power supplies are not regulated.
I can lower the voltage by putting a 2K Ohm resistor in one leg of each of the Switch Machines.
My Question:
Should I be doing this or will my voltage continue to drop as I add more switch machines in parallel?
I have a computer power supply, but was planning on using it for all the lighting on the layout which would be a mixture of LED's and incadescents.
Any help would be appreciated.
