Stranded wire or single core wire ?

[3 link]

Hi Chaps,

 

Probably a numpty question but I thought I'd ask any way.

 

Stranded wire or single core wire ? Is one more beneficial than the other when it comes down to wiring a layout.

 

If the single core wire is left alone once it is soldered into it's place, and it is not subjected to any flexing then surely that is good enough, not only that if you are using single core as droppers then you have not got to twist the strands and tin the end first.

 

Any thoughts on this subject ?

 

Martyn.

[RFS]

I use 1/0.6 wire for droppers as the wire is easily soldered into the recess between top and bottom of the rail.  And if you used tinned copper wire you don't need to waste time tinning it either.

[kevinlms]

Solid wire is fine for connections where things don't normally move. But never use it (even if free) for flexible locations - i.e fold down control panels, because sooner or later, one wire will fracture, you'll fix that, then another goes faulty, you'll fix that etc.

[3 link]

Thanks Guys,

 

Your answers have been most helpful, just one more question if I may.

 

Can you use a mirco switch to operate tortoise point motors ? I say this because a micro switch has got 3 terminals and the power to the tortoise only 2, or am I stuck with using either spdt or dpdt switches only ?

 

All the best,

 

Martyn.

[DCB]

Why would you want to use a microswitch to operate a point motor?

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Why would you want to use a microswitch to operate a point motor?

 

Because I want to use a lever frame to control my point work and I have seen it done somewhere, I just can't remember where...

 

The bottom of the levers in the frame operated the micro switches that went to the point motors, it wouldn't be to change the polarity because you have that built in with the tortoise motors.

 

Plus I'm a numpty when it comes the anything electric, so any advice is most welcome.

 

Martyn.

[Kenton]

 

Can you use a mirco switch to operate tortoise point motors ? I say this because a micro switch has got 3 terminals and the power to the tortoise only 2, or am I stuck with using either spdt or dpdt switches only ?

 

Yes definitely and the best (IMO) wiring for the Tortoise motor is the wiring option 3 on the Tortoise instructions using a SPDT switch. If you use a DPDT switch then the other pole can be used to throw a signal or an indicator. This wiring is best because it only uses a single wire from the control panel - to the Motor. The other wire is the auxiliary bus and simply links all of the Tortoise on the layout.

 

I've had 15 Tortoise motors all running happily of one of those 9v 1A charger plug-in transformers.

 

Oh and I agree with Mickey on the wiring question - Not that there is ANY DIFFERENCE between DC and DCC wiring of course.

[Kenton]

 

Why would you want to use a microswitch to operate a point motor?

What else would you suggest?

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Hi Kenton,

 

Nice to talk to someone I sort of know, as you can see I am out of my comfort zone when it comes to electrics.

 

With the wiring option 3, I noticed it says AC instead of DC or does this mean I can use that diagram but without the diodes ?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Martyn.  aka ( Jack of all trades, master of none ).

[cliff park]

A microswitch is simply a one pole changeover, spdt. It is, however, permanently biased in one direction. One terminal is the 'common', one the 'break' and one the 'make'. It can be used as a changeover, but can simply be used as a make switch or a break switch. There is often a diagram moulded on the side to show the action, and which terminal is which.