Hi guys. Getting ready to build a one locomotive, shelf layout (my first)
From railraods I have visited (DCC), I like having my throttle in my hand. Is there a DC throttle that is hand-held?
http://www.ehobbies.com/mrcaa444.html
Kind of overkill for a small shelf layout. You can make your own from an old MRC power pack. All you really need to do is extend the wires from the direction switch and throttle knob and mount them in a hand held box you can get from Radio Shaft.
loathar wrote: http://www.ehobbies.com/mrcaa444.htmlKind of overkill for a small shelf layout. You can make your own from an old MRC power pack. All you really need to do is extend the wires from the direction switch and throttle knob and mount them in a hand held box you can get from Radio Shaft.
That is kinda over-kill.
I like the idea of 'kit bashing' a MRC 'old-style' cab controller. I guess I figured the knob was the rectifier itself and therefore not work in the way you suggest. It's worth investigation. Thanks.
WaxonWaxov wrote: loathar wrote: http://www.ehobbies.com/mrcaa444.htmlKind of overkill for a small shelf layout. You can make your own from an old MRC power pack. All you really need to do is extend the wires from the direction switch and throttle knob and mount them in a hand held box you can get from Radio Shaft.That is kinda over-kill.I guess I figured the knob was the rectifier itself and therefore not work in the way you suggest.
I guess I figured the knob was the rectifier itself and therefore not work in the way you suggest.
That might be true of the cheap little Tyco power packs. I'm pretty sure my MRC Tech II has a potentiometer for a speed control. You would probably want to use a better controller like that for your kit bash anyhow. They can be had on Ebay for $10-$20.
Funny you should mention that Loather, as I did just that to a "TechII 1500" power pack about ten years ago along with adding a low momentum resistor and switch. I used 6 conductor phone cable for the umbilical cord between the transformer and the new hand-held controller. The only switch left on the transformer is the main power switch everything else is in my hand.
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Johnnny_reb wrote: loathar wrote: http://www.ehobbies.com/mrcaa444.htmlKind of overkill for a small shelf layout. You can make your own from an old MRC power pack. All you really need to do is extend the wires from the direction switch and throttle knob and mount them in a hand held box you can get from Radio Shaft. Funny you should mention that Loather, as I did just that to a "TechII 1500" power pack about ten years ago along with adding a low momentum resistor and switch. I used 6 conductor phone cable for the umbilical cord between the transformer and the new hand-held controller. The only switch left on the transformer is the main power switch everything else is in my hand.
That is exactly what I'm picturing in my head.
OK... do you still have that TechII 1500 thing from "about ten years ago" and are you willing to part with it?
Loathar, I also run Athearn Blue Box Locomotives and can run two in a lashup or consist without overloading the transformer or the hand-held control unit. I have however shorted my trackage out now and again by leaving something metal on the track after doing some work, overloading the transformer.(buzz, buzz) But no damage has been done to either unit. So the wiring has held up very well over the years.
WaxonWaxov wrote: Johnnny_reb wrote: loathar wrote: http://www.ehobbies.com/mrcaa444.htmlKind of overkill for a small shelf layout. You can make your own from an old MRC power pack. All you really need to do is extend the wires from the direction switch and throttle knob and mount them in a hand held box you can get from Radio Shaft. Funny you should mention that Loather, as I did just that to a "TechII 1500" power pack about ten years ago along with adding a low momentum resistor and switch. I used 6 conductor phone cable for the umbilical cord between the transformer and the new hand-held controller. The only switch left on the transformer is the main power switch everything else is in my hand.That is exactly what I'm picturing in my head.OK... do you still have that TechII 1500 thing from "about ten years ago" and are you willing to part with it?
Hmmm.
As I did not make the conversion to this unit to sell it but rather for my own use. It is rather crude, while it does serve my needs I understand why you may be willing to pay for such a thing. But I'm not willing to sell.
I feel if need be I could build you one or help you do the conversion yourself. If you know someone local to you with electronic and wiring skills this conversion should be within their grasp.
I built a very simple transistor throttle using Darlington transitors for the power output (the circuit came from an old issue of Model Railroader). Used a Radio Shark project box the right size for hand-held. I mounted the pot and toggle switch for throttle and direction on the plastic portion of the case, and heat-sinked the Darlington to the aluminum underside.
Used spiral coiled phone handset wire for the 4 conductor cable to the fascia, and a square 4 pole plug to make the connection. Power source was an old AHM trainset powerpack with a busted speed control - I just turned the powerpack full on and hooked the fascia plug to the powerpack DC terminals and the track distribution.
[edit] I just checked the unit, and I actually tied to the AC terminals, and threw a fallwave rectifier in the handheld unit. AC in, variable DC out. About $20 worth of components even at today's Radio Shark prices: case, Darlington transistor, couple of resistors, full wave rectifier, 5K pot, DPDT toggle switch, phone handset cord, 4 pole plug set, thermal grease. About an hour to assemble including drilling case and mounting Darlington and other components.
I still have the throttle - it worked great as a hand-held walk-around throttle on my little 4x6 layout, and I anticipate using it again. With the short trains, I never had a problem with the Darlington even getting warm to the touch.
hope this helps
Fred W
Back when I was in DC I had a pair of Mann-Made walk-around throttles. No memory, but the were VERY reliable. I loved them.
Terry
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
Johnnny_reb wrote: WaxonWaxov wrote: Johnnny_reb wrote: loathar wrote: http://www.ehobbies.com/mrcaa444.htmlKind of overkill for a small shelf layout. You can make your own from an old MRC power pack. All you really need to do is extend the wires from the direction switch and throttle knob and mount them in a hand held box you can get from Radio Shaft. Funny you should mention that Loather, as I did just that to a "TechII 1500" power pack about ten years ago along with adding a low momentum resistor and switch. I used 6 conductor phone cable for the umbilical cord between the transformer and the new hand-held controller. The only switch left on the transformer is the main power switch everything else is in my hand.That is exactly what I'm picturing in my head.OK... do you still have that TechII 1500 thing from "about ten years ago" and are you willing to part with it? Hmmm.As I did not make the conversion to this unit to sell it but rather for my own use. It is rather crude, while it does serve my needs I understand why you may be willing to pay for such a thing. But I'm not willing to sell.I feel if need be I could build you one or help you do the conversion yourself. If you know someone local to you with electronic and wiring skills this conversion should be within their grasp.
that's cool.