analog options

[nevada]

I have been using analog track voltage control for the last 15 years and am very comfortable with the system. After adding another loop, I am confronted with the option of converting to the new Revolution system made by Aristo Craft.  This may be a good one, except that I have no use for about 90% of the new features.  Does anyone know of someone whom manufactures  a compatible or comparable system?  I am looking for an actual receiver with which to power the new loop which will still communicate with my transmitter.  I have been looking at E-Bay, but the prices have been within $10.00 of what a new Revolution receiver will cost.  I am open to using a separate transmitter/receiver to run the new loop, but am not ready to spend the better part of $1,000.00 to upgrade my entire  layout.

[kstrong]

If you're looking for wireless control over track voltage, there are and there aren't comparable systems to the Aristo system. Technically speaking, the motor voltage output of any on-board system can be used to power a single loop of track as well, provided the total current draw doesn't exceed that which the receiver is capable of handling. So in that light, there are options to choose from. However, to my thinking, that's not really the best application of the technology. There are controllers that have wireless interfaces (Bridgewekrs makes one) but they're one transmitter to one receiver. They don't allow for control of multiple tracks from one transmitter. That and the Bridgewerks unit--while very good--isn't exactly on the "budget" side of the equation.

In terms of a system that's designed specifically for powering the track (or multiple tracks independently from one transmitter) under "traditional" analog DC, then the Revolution is pretty much it. You could probably find Aristo's older "Train Engineer" system used, but the prices aren't all that different. You may as well go with the latest stuff that you can still get new parts for.

How many separate tracks are you looking to control where you're coming up with $1,000 for everything? Their transmitter/receiver bundle is $269 on their web site, which gives you one receiver (which will easily control one loco on a loop. The "super receiver" trackside unit that's got a higher amperage output is $150. Add to that a good regulated power supply (Meanwell makes a highly-recommended one at around $50, or if the power supply you're using now has a linear DC output and sufficient amperage, just use that.)

So what if you don't use 90% of what it has to offer. Few do. I consider myself something of a "power user," and probably only use 50% of what it can do.

Later,

K

[Greg Elmassian]

Re-reading your original post, are you saying that you have been using the Original Train Engineer trackside, with the switch set to "linear", and you would like a receiver to work with your existing transmitter (TE) and in analog mode?

If so, the best thing to do is buy a used pre-revolution trackside unit with the "linear" switch (not all had them)

I agree, being forced into PWM mode seems silly especially with the larger "trackside" receiver (although it has been renamed)... even the new revolution system has a menu option for "linear" mode but it has not been implemented (and cannot be implemented in the small on board receivers).

So, is this what you were asking? A receiver to work with your existing TE transmitter in analog (linear) mode?

Greg