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LGB throttles and transformer ??

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: NJ (Kittatinny Mountains)
  • 436 posts
LGB throttles and transformer ??
Posted by SNOWSHOE on Saturday, February 9, 2008 12:55 PM

Does anyone know anything about this LGB throttles.  I really like them and thinking about ordering it.  Im not sure what one to go with.  The first is this http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=20552120!205  I like the fact that it has the house over it.   The other oneis the same but without the house.  Only thing is this one ment for outdoors as well?  http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=20552121!205

Both are 5 amps.  what would be compatable with this that is well under 100 bucks?  Can i use something that is 3 amp with a 5 amp throttle or does it have to be 5 amp. 

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: NJ (Kittatinny Mountains)
  • 436 posts
Posted by SNOWSHOE on Saturday, February 9, 2008 5:19 PM

I was doing some research and found this from aristo  http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=255CRE55466!255

Would this work with the LGB throttle?  I could not find any detail about the aristo power supply.  LGB does not have anything for under a $100.  Is there any other power supplies that I might be able to get that is compatiable with the LGB throttle?

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Norton, MA
  • 394 posts
Posted by piercedan on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:15 AM

I have the older 2 amp version and I do like it a lot.

 The 'hut' is made for outdoor use, and unlike most electronic controllers, this unit at full throttle bypasses the electronics and ties the input to the output.  

 

Most electronic controllers loose a volt or 2 internally, this one does not.

 

It is safe to run a 5 amp unit with a smaller power supply such as a 3 or 4 amp unit.

 

I run my unit from a 20 volt 3 amp laptop power supply. 

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:14 PM
 SNOWSHOE wrote:

Does anyone know anything about this LGB throttles.  I really like them and thinking about ordering it.  Im not sure what one to go with.  The first is this http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=20552120!205  I like the fact that it has the house over it.   The other oneis the same but without the house.  Only thing is this one ment for outdoors as well?  http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=20552121!205

Both are 5 amps.  what would be compatable with this that is well under 100 bucks?  Can i use something that is 3 amp with a 5 amp throttle or does it have to be 5 amp. 

That second unit is NOT designed for exposed outdoor use, it is for installing in a custom control panel, likely indoors. If you are going to be using these outdoors option 1 in the way to go.

5 amps is good for a moderate size layout, mine is only 1 amp and it covered my 10x20 easily with only one power connection to the tracks so 5 amps should be good for at least twice that size.

Personally I would NEVER leave my powerpack outdoors exposed to weather, regardless of how weatherproof the mfr states it is, just plain common sense to take it in.

Best practice is to install the power pack either indoors or in a protected structure like a shed. Otherwise if the pack must be exposed, set it up so all you have to do is come out, set the pack in its place, plug it in and attach the 2 wire leads into it, and at the end of the day, just unplug everything and carry it in.

BTW word of warning if anyone is considering the R/C "Basic Train Engineer" from Crest, it only has a 2 amp limit, so with a 5 amp pack you would need to go with the full "Train Engineer" R/C controller package and modify your engines accordingly. 

   Have fun with your trains

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