Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
Over the last two months the NCE Powercab and the Bachmann EZ Command i had quit. I suspect my grandson got hold of the Powercab and used it as a hammer. The Bachmann I have no idea. And they are long out of warranty.
So, I am considering going back to dc permanently. I have an MRC Tech 4 260 but would like to have walk around to, but I can find nothing online.
Anybody know where I can find walk around throttles for dc? I run ho and the throttles would need to be rtr. I don't play with electronics, they bite back.
Thanks.
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 276
Threads: 11
Joined: Dec 2008
They are getting harder to find these days....
... but Ken Stapleton has a line of tethered and memory walkaround throttles that are pretty reasonably priced.
Posts: 80
Threads: 1
Joined: Dec 2008
If you are willing to build one yourself, you can do it for less than $20, even at Radio Shark parts prices. Circuits and plans ranging from the very simple to pretty complex are available at http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/Throttles.html and http://www.awrr.com/throttle.html. Whoops, you said you weren't willing to build yourself. If you want memory walkaround - train continues to run while you unplug and plug in at a new location - it will be more complex and costly. If you are looking for a wireless walkaround solution, they are available from Aristo-Craft and Rail Lynx. An infrared wireless DC throttle was reviewed in the most recent Model Railroader.
Unless you are building your own, costs approach that of a DCC handheld throttle (not including the other DCC components). And you have to have 2 to run more than one train at a time. And you need block wiring to run/have more than one loco on the layout at a time (if not already installed). Perhaps replacing your NCE hammerhead might be the cheaper and easier solution?
At one time MRC made a handheld tethered throttle to attach to their Tech 2 power packs. Perhaps you can find a used one on eBay? The MRC ControlMaster 20 is still readily available in hobby shops, and uses handheld throttles. A very good, but pricey DC solution.
hope this helps
Fred Wright
Posts: 1,999
Threads: 98
Joined: Dec 2008
Walthers still sells the MRC ControlMaster20.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/500-444">http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/500-444</a><!-- m -->
In fact its on sale.
Torrington, Ct.
NARA Member #87
I went to my Happy Place, but it was closed for renovations.
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
Thanks guys. I quess I was still stuck in the 70's. Almost had a accident when I saw the price of the MRC 20 
I quess I will buy another powercab.
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 931
Threads: 68
Joined: Dec 2008
Nomad - this one is N gauge, but he does HO ones - and very good they are too - I've just bought one from him
WALKAROUND CONTROL - THE BEST YOU CAN GET! Item number: 260426941311
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
Thanks Shortliner. Do you use those already?
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 2,959
Threads: 158
Joined: Dec 2008
Other than it being broken, did you enjoy having the powercab and use all of its functions? It wounds to me like there wouldn't be much that you would miss about DCC by converting back to DC. Just curious why going back to standard DC will work better for your operation.
--
Kevin
Check out my Shapeways creations!
3-d printed items in HO/HOn3 and more!
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.shapeways.com/shops/kevin-s-model-train-detail-parts">https://www.shapeways.com/shops/kevin-s ... tail-parts</a><!-- m -->
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
To be honest with you, I tried messing with the cv's once and screwed everything up royal.
From then on I only used the Powercab as a throttle.
The main reason I am thinking about going back to dc Is that I worry about dcc having enough power to operate my garage layout, and the price of the boosters are outrageous.
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 2,271
Threads: 155
Joined: Dec 2008
Loren,
The number of boosters you require is based on the number of trains you want to run, not the size of the layout. If you don't exceed the total draw (amps) of one system (typically 3 - 5 amps), there is no reason to add more. You can divide your layout into power districts for signalling, detection, or just plain troubleshooting purposes without having to have a master system with booster(s).
Andrew
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
I thought I read somewhere that the size of the layout also determined the amount of power you would need. That over a certain length of wire, the dcc signal would start to drop and you would lose control of the loco. If this is not true, then I have less to worry about then I thought .
Thanks, Andrew!
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 276
Threads: 11
Joined: Dec 2008
nomad Wrote:I thought I read somewhere that the size of the layout also determined the amount of power you would need. That over a certain length of wire, the dcc signal would start to drop and you would lose control of the loco.
This is true to a point. That's why you should use 14 or 12 gauge bus wires for a large layout (lower resistance over a long run) and limit your track feeder lengths to about 12" of 18 GA wire.
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
Ok, I used 14 gauge speaker wire for the bus, and 18 gauge for the feeders. Sounds like I am all set.
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
OK, my Powercab is working. I only have half a display, the top is garbled but that is only the fast clock anyhow, which I don't use. I don't know why it works now, I plugged it in and away she went  On the other hand, the Bachmann is apparently gone. :?
So, I quess I can limp along on the Powercab for now.
Thanks for your help and advice.
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
Well, the Powercab gasped it's last breath and was consigned to the junk box.
After lots of thinking, I realized the only reason I wanted dcc was for locomotive sounds (someday). So, considering the price of all the dcc components I would need eventually, I decided to go back to dc. That is what I started with, so I have all the Atlas Selectors and Connectors I will need.
For walk around throttles, I am looking into these.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/851.HTM">http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/851.HTM</a><!-- m -->
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
|
