Aristo Train Engineer use with LGB Locos

[cmoore]

Is it ok (on the engine) to use the Train Engineer with LGB locos? I want to go totally remote control however, I don't want to burn out the locos. Hope you can help me decide.

[altterrain]

I have heard of potential problems but have never heard of an actual problem with it. I don't have a TE hooked up to run the layout but use the Ultima and the Aristo 10 amp contollers which are also PWM. I have run my LGB trolley on my layout and then on another layout using the MTS DCC feature just fine. I have also run quite a few club member LGB locos on my layout without a problem. You could set the TE to Linear mode if you are worried about running in PWM mode.

 -Brian

[cmoore]

Thanks for the info, I just don't want to burn the engines out that's all. At the moment I'm using the starter set power pack (LGB) and am thinking of the next step to take. If heard alot about the TE and have seen it used I'm just not sure of the major difference in the LGB Vs TE remotes.

[TonyWalsham]

Do not use any pwm controller with any DCC decoder equipped LGB locos.
It will be ok to use any Linear controllers with any LGB locos.

[cmoore]

Thanks for that Tony, I'll stick with the LGB line of power/remotes.

[Don H]

I used a T/E and a PH hobbies 10 amp power pack for 18 years with no problems. I still use the T/E with batteries. Do not use PWC.

[lownote]

I'm unclear on this--I use a meanwell power supply into an aristo 10 amo throttle. I then use aristo's onboard 75mhz TE on each locomotive. The 10 amp throttle is set to put 21 volts on the track and then left alone. I've converted three LGB locos to work this way. Am I using pulse width control or not?

[g. gage]

Do not use any pwm controller with any DCC decoder equipped LGB locos.
It will be ok to use any Linear controllers with any LGB locos.

I've been using an Aristo Ultima with a T/E and LGB, USA, Bachmann and Aristo locos with no problems for about ten yares, however I don't use dcc.

But Tony has a point. DCC sends digital coded information on carrier riding on the full voltage potential dc power voltage, the decoader regulates power to the loco, etc. Pwm (Pluse Width Modulation) modulates the dc power into full voltage potential dc pulses to the loco. Therefore pwm could interupt or distort the dcc carrier. Intresting.

Rob   

[altterrain]

Yes Mike you are. The 10 amp controller puts out PW. From the Aristo site -

The CRE-55401 Control Pack Adaptor is the solution for anyone who does not have Pulse Width Control in their power supply.

By attaching this adaptor to your power pack, you can now convert your present power pack into a Pulse Width Control power pack. To convert back, simply remove the controller!

CRE-55401 has a maximum capacity of 10 amps and is sold separately.

FEATURES:
- With 10 amp directional control
- Automatic electronic circuit protection
- Power and over current indicator lights
- Constant voltage pulse width speed control
- Automatic electronic momentum circuit for smooth operation

-Brian 

 

[altterrain]

Cameron,

If you like the RC control of the TE, you just need to flip the switch to Linear and you are all set.

-Brian 

[cmoore]

Cheers for the help............so now to make sure that I have it; as long as you're running it with analog locos all should be fine.

I'm new to Garden Railways after spending all of my train life with Z, N and HO, getting the head around different R/C concepts is exciting and at times a little confusing.

[TonyWalsham]

Analogue linear as distinct from Analogue pwm. 

They are both DC.

[lownote]

I'm not sure what Train engineeer you're talking about--there are a couple different versions.

For what it's worth, I've installed aristo 75 mhz onboard remotes in 3 LGB locos--a mogul and two 0-4-0s. It's a little tricky--you need to isolate the motor wires, and sometimes the LBG engines have one track power lead and one motor lead tied together. In each case I had to completely strip them down and solder a wire to each motor contact. But once that was done they ran just fine.

 

Aristo has discontinued the 75 mhz remote. It's worked well for me, but many people reported range problems and they are supposedly bringing out a new imporved version. 

[cmoore]

At the moment I'm using the basic one (the one that comes with the Lil Critter starter set). I want to upgrade to the 96 model (if that's the latest) but I don't want to stuff up the LGB locos. I've done alot of reading about it and have come to the conclusion that as long as I use linear and the locos are not DCC then all should be fine..............hopefully.

[TonyWalsham]

Not quite correct cmoore.

If the locos are DCC equipped you MUST ONLY use linear.
If the locos are NOT DCC equipped you can use either Linear or PWM.

[lownote]

What Tony said--as I understand it, if the loco has LGB's MTS decoder in it, you don't want to use PWM. I've never worked on an LGB with and MTS system decoder in it. If you wnat to use the aristo TE, I'm assuming you'd have to strip the MTS decoder out

 

You might consider, as an alternative to Aristo, the QSI/Airwire system. The airwire throttle has a very sophisticated range of control and the QSI card combine power and sund in one card. I just bought an airwire throttle and installed a QSI card and Im very pleased with it--I get a great deal of control over the sounds, it's easy to install--easier than other soundcards I've done--and the range is very good. It's more expensive at first than the TE, but in the long run I think it's cheaper if you know you want to include good quality sound

[pimanjc]

I have two LGB locos converted to Battery operation using a TE in the tender.  As long as you are sure to have to power selection switch to analog-linear and NOT PWC,  you will be OK.  Here is a pic of the connections I made on my Mikado to issolate the track pickups.  This feeds into a DPDT switch accepting either battery TE feed or the original track pickups.

Hope this helps.

JimC.