I am adding various types of Direct Current (DC) model railroad power controllers here to show the various types available, especially if you have no intention at the moment to convert to Digital Command Control. Each controller has it's purpose and usefulness, some better than others. I encourage you to investigate and try various controllers at your hobby store prior to making an investment.
What is Direct Current?
Direct current is the type of power obtained from a battery, a DC power supply or from a train controller. A battery supplies a nice steady constant voltage (until it runs out). A DC power supply uses something called a rectifier to convert AC into DC and a capacitor to smooth it out. A rectifier simply takes all the bumps that were under the zero line in the above graph and inverts them so that they are above the line. The capacitor stores volts and fills the dips between the bumps making a smooth voltage. A train controller is similar to a DC power supply but often it doesn't include a capacitor to smooth it out and you can vary the voltage manually from 0 to + or – approximately 16V.
Direct Current Power Supplies / Controllers
Kato
Features direction and speed controls, circuit breaker with reset button and turnout control switch with snap-on socket. Direct plug-in for Uni-track feeder track or terminal joiner and adapter cord for connection of feeder track by other manufacturers. Pack includes separate power adaptor. Works with HO and N Scale. 12V, 1 Amp.
Note: This power pack comes with various power supply models, the power supply is separate from the controller. If you are considering purchasing this model power supply, ensure that it comes with the correct rated power supply, i.e. 240 volts for Australian use, or 110 volts for North America.
Morley Controllers (Australia & United Kingdom)
Unique to Morley Controllers, the Vector (available in Australia already converted to 240 volts), is designed with an on board heavy duty points Capacitor Discharge Unit (HD/ CDU). When used with a correct momentary switch it will activate the points motor giving it a positive, short burst. Being of short duration it prevents motor burn out.
A "points CDU ready" yellow LED indicator is situated on the front panel. The screen-printed front panel gives perfect indication of the settings of switches and controls,supported by LED indicators,a dual LED for power and direction,plus the CDU LED. Centre off power controls, provide locomotive direction change, together with perfect, smooth control at slow speeds, as well as fast. A 12 volt uncontrolled accessory output is provided with protection from a 1 amp circuit breaker.
Two hand held units are included with centre off controls providing power and direction change.The length of cable on each unit is 2.5 metres. Output connections are by a Screw Type PCB Terminal Block. A Cooling Fan is fitted on all Australian and NZ models.
- Desk type dark grey case with sloping aluminium front.
- Fully tested and guaranteed for 5 years.
Technical specification
- Twin track controller manufactured from quality components
- Components tested to 105 degrees centigrade.
- Suitable for N,HO,OO and all small gauge layouts.
- Outputs:2 x 12 Volts DC at 1.1amps protected,both controlled
- 1 x 12 Volt DC accessory protected by 1amp circuit breaker.
- Locomotive direction change by centre off power control.
- On-board Capacitor Discharge Unit (HD/CDU) for points motor operation.
- Fan cooling on Australian and NZ models.
- Dimensions:215mm wide x 130mm height x 75mm max depth.
Crest Train Engineer
The Train Engineer walk-around wireless control system is ideally suited for backyard garden railroads and can be used for DC indoor/outdoor railroads of any size or gauge. No modification to the locomotive is required. It use a 27 MgHz multidirectional FM signal with Pulse Code Modification (P.C.M.) that eliminates any outside signal interference. It operates off of your normal power pack: just connect the receiver unit into existing wiring between the track layout and your power supply. The Train Engineer gives you wireless control of your train within a 300-foot circle of the receiver unit and maintains all the functions of your power pack while enhancing performance. Additionally, five accessories can be operated with the purchase of the remote accessory unit, so that switches and lights can be turned on and off remotely.
Crest Basic Train Engineer:
Simplified version of Train Engineer, again, designed for large (G) scale modelling. A wireless radio control system for all DC electric trains. Includes one transmitter and one receiver. This unit comes in a G scale train set supplied by Aristocraft Trains.
Crest Train Engineer Revolution:
The Aristo-Craft Revolution is a wireless control setup that communicates directly between the handheld "throttles" and the loco-mounted "decoders". The communication is at 2.4 GHz. The system uses local memory to control up to 50 locomotives.
