Track power with radio control?

[Ray Dunakin]

I hate batteries. Are there any systems available that use track power with radio control?

[Anonymous]

try the (crest) aristo train engineer

[TonyWalsham]

Hi Ray.
With the addition of a bridge rectifier on the track pick up and suitable voltage filtering for the power supply going to the on board R/C, any system designed for battery R/C can handle a contsant track voltage as the power source for on board R/C.
Some LS'ers have had success with that method.
However, it has been my experience, that still having to clean the track and maintain electrical conductivity generally forces the track power users to end up with battery R/C anyway.

Might I ask why you hate batteries?

[Ray Dunakin]

I dislike batteries because, in my experience with other eletronics, they're never ready when I want them. They don't hold a charge long enough during periods of non-use.

For instance, camcorders -- I usually go weeks or months without using my camcorder, and then the batteries are never charged even though I fully charged them after the last time I used it. As a result, nowadays I almost never use the darn camcorder at all because the stinking batteries are always dead and take hours to charge. By the time I get a battery charged up the moment has passed.

It's the same with my rechargeable flashlight, which uses a completely different type of battery. I don't need it very often, and when I do need it, the battery has usually lost its charge.

I fear it will be the same with the railroad, if I can't just go out and run it whenever the mood strikes.

Then there's the charging -- some batteries need to be completely used up before recharging, so you can't just use it for a few minutes and then stick it back on the charger. Some can't be left on the charger all the time, so you have to remember to disconnect it at a certain time. What a pain.

Also, even rechargeable batteries die eventually, some sooner than others.

I'm also concerned that I wouldn't be able to use lights, sound and smoke if I'm running on batteries.

[TonyWalsham]

Fair enough Ray.

That is your choice.
The original answer I gave still stands.
Use a bridge rectifier and suitable filtering on the track pick ups and any battery R/C system can run on constant track power.

Once again, good luck.

[Ray Dunakin]

I should add that I like the concept of battery powered R/C. I'm just afraid that in practice, it will be as disappointing and frustrating as the other devices I have which use rechargeable batteries.

[piercedan]

The Aristo on board has the diodes in the receiver. they can be by passsed for battery operartiion, but this can void the warranty.

The Aristo trackside does not have the diodes and needs them if placed on board.

[Kiwi Down Under]

Ray
I like your thinking. Batteries have a habit of going flat just when you want things to work. Have you ever noticed how rechargable screwdrivers always know when you are on the second to last screw.

Sure, you may not have to clean the tracks the same if your using batteries, but thats all. I have a layout ( www,gscalechuffchuff.com ) where there are two main loops, with 2 sidings. By making the points ( switchs) actually control the feed to the relevant section of track I have 4 locos running at the same time, but only one loco is controlled by any one controller at any time. All feed on points is controlled by one controller which allows a slow speed through the points ( realistic and avoids derailing) , same as accross a bridge is half speed.

The main outside track is split into 4 sections with a seperate controller on each section. This way I can have a loco at one end, halw way, and at the end and as long as they are all running at the same speed, will run
In the end, dont need any other controll other than switches that control the point motors ( direct wired rechargable drill motors and chucks)

I suppose, if you must have wireless remotes, you could have the remotes controlling the points.....

Tony Nightingale.

[TonyWalsham]

Hi Tony.

I think you will find that Ray is enquiring about using a constant track voltage which is picked up by the loco and used as the power source for on board R/C controllers.
This will allow as many locos as you wish, subject to available power, running together all under control.

Unless I am much mistaken I don't think he is talking about varying the voltage going to the track.

[Kiwi Down Under]

Yep Tony, ( What a good name)
I gathered that but think its overated and if the only reason for spending all that $, is so one can run more than one loco per track, there are alternatives. But I cant recall the last time someone mentioned an alternative.

Tony

Theres that name again, and we downunder are actually the right way up, its the other half that stand upside down.

[TonyWalsham]

Tony,
I am inclined to agree with you.
There will still be all the issues associated with track power outdoors to contend with.

On board battery power is a much more sensible and often less expensive solution. However, that depends on how many locos you have.
Modern battery technology permits very long run times.

[BudSteinhoff]

Ray,
I agree with you on the use of batteries.
I use Aristo on-boards in 20 locos with track power and have had no problems.
Cleaning the track is no problem on my brass track with the cleaning rig I have.
Takes one time around and 10 minutes for 1000 ft of track.
Bud[8D]

[vsmith]

Crest Aristo Train Engineer

I have the Basic Train Engineer set-up, only one controller but WOW is it good to have. If the layout was bigger I'd go with the multiple set-up.

[Anonymous]

Well I have used both for delivering power to my G scales since I started building my garden railroad.

[GMcleary]

I have been using Aristo Train engineer for about eight years and I think they are great. The only issue with the system is the placment of the antenna,you must be careful how you install it. The only other thing about Aristo is if you want to use Sierra sound you must use the interface module from Sierra to make them work right. I have ten locos with RC and six of them with sound and am very happy with the system
George