Model Railway Forum

Please can somebody advise which type of DPDT switch will I need to switch a Tortoise motor (analogue).
Is it a DPDT on-on switch and any recommendation on where is the best place to order one from?

Hi
Assuming you're using a 12 volt DC power supply, then a DPDT On-On switch is needed for Tortoise (and Cobalt analogue) stall motors.
To wire...
Feed the supplies power into the switches top pair of tabs, then link top tab left to bottom tab right and top tab right to bottom tab left. Feed the stall motor from the middle pair of switch tabs.
Suitable switches On-On DPDT are sold by many suppliers. I use Bitbox a lot and their SW035 Is the one to use with Stall motors. https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?mai ... cts_id=878 But of course there are many other suppliers too.

hi,

as far as I can tell yes, use dpdt on-on switches.

bitsbox.co.uk are a good uk retailer for this type of switch. (no affliation with them)

Regards,

Steve

The Sligo Rover wrote: ↑Sun Oct 18, 2020 6:35 pm
Is it a DPDT on-on switch and any recommendation on where is the best place to order one from?

Yes that is the type you need, you just need to decide between toggle, rocker or slide. Myself I would prefer a toggle as visually it easier to see which way it is set without using any other form of indication ie. LEDs

eBay and specialist electronics suppliers will probably be most cost effective.

Richard

Thank you for that. Could you now point me in the direction of a suitable 12v power source please.

Opt for a Regulated 12 volt DC power supply. This means the 12 v is maintained regardless of loading (up to the maximum load), Output current 1.0Amp to 2.0Amp There is no need for anything larger as Tortoise and Cobalt stall motors draw very little current when operating and even less when stalled. These could also be used to power LED building/street/platform lighting as well.
eBay and Amazon have plenty. If you look for so called CCTV or LED power supplies these should all be regulated and they all come with a 2.1mm moulded DC plug. So onward connection can be via an in line connector socket or a panel mounted socket 2.1mm DC socket.
Examples below...
Link 1. 1.0Amp 12v DC power supply unit
Link 2. 2.0Amp PSU with included easy wire connector
Link 3. Amazon 2.0Amp PSU with easy wire connector
Link 4. 1.0A or 2.0Amp PSU and connector
Link 5. 2.1mm DC Chassis socket
Link 6. In-line 2.1mm socket with leads
Link 7. 2.1mm DC Socket for easy wire connection

Brilliant, thank you very much for all the guidance and help, I can now prepare a shopping list.