@carl552 posted:I like that the tortoise switch machine has 2 built-in relays. One to manage the power to parts of the switch and the other to power indicator LEDs. You can add relays to the servo but that is getting to be more work and a kluge. I could also use LCC output instead of the relays but that adds a cost of $3. Building a servo switch machine will also take more time than installing Tortoise switch machine and I would rather spend that time working on other problems. My impression was that the tortoise switch machines would be more reliable than the less than $1 servos from China. It was not a easy decision. It is one of the few where I chose a more expensive solution. I have been successful on ebay buying tortoise switch machines for $10 or less.
The builtin contacts are a definite plus. I find the servos a bit fiddly and have had to revisit several installations to re-adjust both the servos and the relays. I have started using hall effect sensors and 2mm cyl magnets instead of relays. Of course, it adds a bit more electronics, but being less mechanical than a relay, it has proven to be a more reliable alternative. For me, the attraction of servos was the electronics challenge. I recently had to add a machine to a remote turnout on our club layout - I went with tortoise. I've started playing with LCC. I like that you can use JMRI to program LCC. I've been using MERG CBUS for years.
Brendan
