I was running my trains with an old Aristo Craft train engineer. It stop working, now I using an old MRC control master 20. The fan is is driving me crazy! What's out there that's a good power pack? I run 2 - 3 units and about 16 cars. Would like a hand held unit. Thanks Don
I really like my MRC tech 3 1750, it’s my favorite DC throttle. I have a couple different tech 2 throttles that are pretty good too.
Our club used the Aristo Craft radio throttles but when they got to be troublesome, we had a dilemma. There was no analog DC equivalent. We then went to DCC by necessity. I still have some locomotives that are analog. Most are Atlas GP7 & 9's. I am not aware of any analog throttles like the former AristoCraft. With the advent of DCC the old analog radio throttles went the way of the dinosaurs.
You can build one of these for about nothing.... ... and ... ....the wiring is not difficult and if you don't have a printer make a box or buy a cheap projects box to put the parts in. It wouldn't give you a wireless handheld but one on a tether of your length. You could use it in conjunction with a larger power-pack. More info on it here ..... https://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/page-36.html Sumner
Fully understandable, Don. I think Sumner has you covered for the hand-held aspect. For a power pack, I have always had good luck with MRC units: https://www.modelrectifier.com/dcpower-s/109.htm Good luck!
Not the cheapest option, but this might be an option https://www.modelrectifier.com/product-p/0001200.htm Our club is thinking about going this route since half out members are still primarily DC and the other half are DCC.
Another option to maybe look at is DCC-EX. It has the option to run DC trains on one part of the layout while running DCC trains on another part (districts can be toggled between the two options -- up to 8 districts). https://dcc-ex.com/trackmanager/index.html#gsc.tab=0 You run the trains in both parts with a wireless phone throttle or a WiFi commercial DCC throttle or one you can build. Gives you the option of really cheap wireless throttle running EngineDriver on them that can do a lot, more than most commercial throttles. Some modelers that are 'only' DC are switching their layouts to this (the whole layout) running only DC with the wireless throttles. The DCC-EX crew is also close to releasing a plug and play Command Station for those that don't want to put one together although it is really easy to do that. https://dcc-ex.com/#gsc.tab=0 Sumner
Having purchased one of these (i.e., following a customer inquiry about the unit) to supplement my DCS52 Digitrax Zephyr Express, in my opinion, extremely simple to operate (i.e., because it is operated in the same manner as regular DC powerpacks are), the MRC 0001200 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Sound Controller Throttle is an excellent choice for individuals interested in dipping their toes into DCC, but not yet ready or able to install decoders in their existing analog DC locomotives. The MRC Tech 6 Hybrid's unique feature is its ability to avoid damaging the motor in an analog DC locomotive, because the unit can be operated in either Standard (DC) or Dual (DCC Power with Sound) Mode While not nearly as advanced as the Digitrax Zephyr Express, basic DCC decoder programming can be undertaken with the MRC Tech 6 Hybrid. With an optional MRC 0001203 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Handheld throttle, one additional DC analog or six additional DCC decoder equipped locomotives can be run simultaneously. The MRC Tech 6 Hybrid has an output jack for one handheld throttle. With MRC 0001501 Extension Plates, the Handheld Throttle's range can be extended to more than nine feet. The only two limitations to the MRC Tech 6 Hybrid that I can see are that you can only use DCC locomotive addresses from one to six and the unit's maximum current rating is two amps. MRC 0001200 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Sound Controller Throttle Instruction Manual MRC 0001203 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Handheld Instruction Manual MRC 0001501 Extension Plate Instruction Manual
The fan in the Control Master 20 can be disconnected for N or HO scales. it's not really needed. Doug
Doug, I would hate to disconnect it and have problems, it's the only thing I have for trains right now. It seems like hand held DC controllers are a thing of the past. Summer, above has a nice small one but I don't do Amazon. Don
The PWM Low Voltage Dc 1.8V 3V 5V 6V 12V 2A Motor Speed Controller can be found lots of places. Sumner
The same (apparently) DC motor controller that Sumner used is also available at Robotshop.com and Solarbotics.com if they're acceptable. The latter is a brick & mortar store, and lists their physical location in Calgary, Alberta CA. I could not find info on mail or phone orders, but they do list a toll free (US/CN) phone number.
You could always try a G scale decoder to supply the DC to the rails. You will still need some type of command station, but this opens up WiFi throttles and commercially available wireless throttles too.
So far I have not had an issue with shorts hurting the decoder, but when a short happens I have to run the throttle back to 0 before it will move again. But as a safety I put a DE3175 bulb inline with one of the output legs to take the load when a short happens. When the lightbulb is used you don’t need to return to 0 when the short is cleared.
This command station in a box doesn’t have any short circuit protection at the moment on DC, and it works great for my T-Trak setups. You can see the decoder sitting upright just below the blue light.
