Hello im looking for help on how to build a walk around throttle for a dc layout.
step Bye step. I had one many years ago built and I don't remember what was used in it to build it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Rob Paisly has circuits for DC throttles indexed on this page: http://www.circuitous.ca/CircuitIndex.html#3
Ken Stapleton has PWM DC throttles in various stages of assembly at http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/Index.html
Model Railroader had circuits in various issues - I built a very simple Darlington-based hand held throttle from one of these. Still have it. Used a Radio Shack small project box, and an old telephone handset coiled cord. Don't recall what issue it was, but it was probably from '70s. Cost all of $5 for parts. In building most of these circuits, the quality of the control potentiometer or the push buttons (whichever is used) are key to the throttle lasting.
Fred W
One thing to watch for with any of these old circuits is to make sure all the components are still available.
fwrightKen Stapleton has PWM DC throttles in various stages of assembly at http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/Index.html
I have used a Stapleton PWM DC throttle on my layout for many years, with an MRC Control Master 20 supplying the juice.
Ken's only 20 minutes-or-so away from me, and if I ever needed repairs to the throttle, I'm confident that he'd always stand behind his products.
Here are a few of the throttles that I've used in the past...
And Ken's walk-around throttle...
I use ordinary telephone plug-in receptacles at various locations on the layout's fascia...
...so it's easy to follow around with the controller plugged-in with a stretchy 'phone cord....
If you're planning to contact Ken, feel free to tell him that I reccommend his throttles to anyone who asks about them.
Wayne
Deleted for incompleteness.
maxmanOne thing to watch for with any of these old circuits is to make sure all the components are still available.
Usually the only component not available today is a specific transistor or amplifier chip. However, modern substitutes are readily available.