How do you choose a Controler?

[jamesbaker]

Ok so here is where I am lost.  I own a LGB Engine, Arist-Craft and Lionel Engine.  Why do I need a LGB, Aristo, and Lionel Controler?

Is there a Single Unit that I can buy that will not void my engines wanties?  I'm open to DCC or DC options.

Thanks
Baker

[Marty Cozad]

I'm sure you'll get many answers but as long as its a strong enough DC power supply I don't know why it won't work.

I run battery power with many onboard conrolers and no problems.

Most of the companies has honored the warrenty if its with in reason. 

[two tone]

I use the train engineer with LGB and Bachmann engines Plus the added extras such as thier accessoires for point control and loop settings  Iff ypu are going to runn DCC make sure all of the controller boards are the same for each loco

[smcgill]

I use the Aristo Train Engineer to run any of ---

USA"s nw-2 some piggyback

USA's gp-9 2 side by each

Bachman's Shay & Climax some times together

Poorman remote control--- tells receiver how much power to track and which dir.

and is not atached - hand held!

[vsmith]

I use stuff from everyone, all straight DC powered by an LGB pack with a Aristo Basic Train Engineer, all work just fine.

That caviet of only using the proprieters power supply is pure hooey! They use that only to get you to buy their stuff exclusively, if their is a problem I've never heard of service being refused becasue they were using someone elses power pack. Where you get into this issue is after modifications to convert to multi-train DCC, battery power and R/C, thats when you get intomodifying a stock setup that could void the warrentees, but even then most mfrs are good about customer service.

[jamesbaker]

Thanks guys for all the help!

 I also do HO so I figured it was the same deal. I just wanted to see what other people knew on the subject.

Thanks
 Baker