Sheldon-- Multi-throttle question

[Mike]

Sheldon, I really liked some of the thoughts expressed in the multi-throttle article you referenced here. As I've been checking out options, I have been looking at the MRC power packs. Do you know what the differences are between the older (I assume) 2800 Dualpower to which the article refers and the newer (also assumed) Tech 4 Dual Power 280? I've only been able to get technical specs on the 280. Also, do you have any other sugestions for a "standardized" power source for multi-throttle operation? I'd appreciate your thoughts.- Mike S.

[Atlantic Central]

Mike,

I doubt there is much difference between the two packs, and yes the tech4 280 is the newer, the other is from about 10 years ago. The only other economical option might be to build your own if you are electrcally inclined.

A simple power supply and two simple transistor throttles for each zone could be built for the same or less than the dual packs, especially if you shop around and buy all the parts bulk at the same time.

That would also allow you to design more space saving control panels, and/or make one of the throttles a tethered hand held for switching in that zone.

Sheldon

[Mike]

Sounds good. Are we talking pulsed power or just variable DC? I've heard some for and some against pulse. I guess the main thing I want is good slow speed control. The hand held is also attractive. Electronically, I have no experience with actual design; but I have soldered together several kits that have always worked first time out. Do you have any favorite schematic/designs that you'd recommend? For what it's worth, I have lots of telephone style modular plugs, cable, and NIT boxes/strips and the related tools, so the hookup shouldn't be much of a problem. Thanks for your thoughts. - Mike

[Atlantic Central]

Mike,

Simple transistor throttles  and power supplies like the ones discribed in the Kalmbach book "Practical Electronic Projects for Model Railroaders" by Peter Thorne would work fine and will give good control with todays modern low current motors.

If you have access to a good library of model mags, you can do a search of the magazine index on Kalmbach's web site and find dozens more circuits that have published over the years.

Sheldon

[glennk28]

Just be certain that only one throttle can be connected to a given section  of the track at a time.  The voltages can be additive-- (2 12-volt supplies put 24 volts on the track. Or--if one reverses, has the potential of producing smoke and electrical damage.