Over/under figure 8 layout. Constant speed DC HOW?

[peteski]

Gaugemaster is also a form of a pulse throttle using SCR instead of a transistor.  I still think that a simple well-regulated pure DC will probably work well.

Yes, Chris, LED dimmers are usually PWM type.

What are the ratings you have on your wall warts? I'm lookign for somethign around 10-12V DC and 1bout 1 Amp (or more).  What type of a motor is in your loco?

[Chris333]

Have a bunch of wall warts. I should have one that is 1amp.

Different locos different motors. The Heisler is probably the worst since it is an old open frame Mashima:

Someday the Heisler will get a nice fat Faulhaber.

I have 2 locos that use this motor. It is the same motor in a Bachmann 44T:


And a few Minitrains locos that have a 10x12x15 Mashima clone.

[Chris333]

I have a few 5 amp power supplies. Is that somehow too much?

[peteski]

I have a few 5 amp power supplies. Is that somehow too much?

No problem - the throttle circuit will only use as much as it needs.

I think I should also mention that a throttle with regulated output voltage (using LM317 regulator) is not a magic solution. The locos will still slow down and speed up, but likely less drastic than when using other throttles.  If you really want constant speed, ou will have to create multiple blocks and add resistors. But the problem with that is that since each loco uses different motor (with different current draw), each one would need different set of resistors to control its speed.

[Chris333]

I was planning to try variable resistors on each section so I could dial it in. Like have 4-5 speed knobs, one being the main throttle speed.

[peteski]

There is a schematic for the Gaugemaster throttle (and some variations on the theme) here:
https://www.scottpages.net/ReviewOfControllers.html

NTE has equivalents for the D13T1 and the C106D, and Allied has some in stock.

Here again I failed my reading comprehension.

Gaugemaster throttle does use a (BEMF) feedback.  It should keep the motor running at constant RPMs regardles of the load.  Might be worth looking into it Chris.

[Chris333]

Just ordered a Gaugemaster from Amazon so it should be here yesterday. 

[Chris333]

The throttle has been sitting on the counter all day and I just now remembered and took it for a spin. It works! The motors do a little bit of buzzing or chatter, but the motion and speed is smooth. The sound didn't come out well, but here is a hot lap:

[davefoxx]

DCC would be easier.    <ducks for cover>

DFF

[peteski]

Nice!  That was an easy solution, even if it cost few bucks.

@Point353 is "the man"!

[Chris333]

Nice!  That was an easy solution, even if it cost few bucks.

@Point353 is "the man"!

[/quote]

DCC would be easier.    <ducks for cover>

DFF

I found the controller on Amazon for $33, that is less than a decoder. Plus I no longer have a DCC system. 

[glakedylan]

works well, Chris
such smooth operation on all grades
and wow, the slow speed is fantastic


also, i noticed the collection of locos on that upper level
NICE! very nice! and they look handbuilt
super stuff


sincerely
Gary

[peteski]

I found the controller on Amazon for $33, that is less than a decoder. Plus I no longer have a DCC system. 

I was just about to sent do you a Digitrax DZ123 decoder to try out if this didn't work out.  Street price is around 15-16 bucks. Assuming that the decoder running under DC power still retains its BEMF speed regulation cabability.

[mmagliaro]

That's darn impressive.... now I'm tempted to build one of those throttles from the posted schematics.  99% of the time, I am a single-engine, DC-only running guy.  So a BEMF throttle would work perfectly for my whole layout.  I've often wondered in the back of my mind how much better engines would run with BEMF to keep the RPMs steady even at ultra-slow RPMs.  It's no shock to anyone that I have always tried to build engines that run good at low speed using high gear ratios and good motors.  But to pile a BEMF power supply on top of that?  Hmmm....

[peteski]

That's darn impressive.... now I'm tempted to build one of those throttles from the posted schematics.  99% of the time, I am a single-engine, DC-only running guy.  So a BEMF throttle would work perfectly for my whole layout.  I've often wondered in the back of my mind how much better engines would run with BEMF to keep the RPMs steady even at ultra-slow RPMs.  It's no shock to anyone that I have always tried to build engines that run good at low speed using high gear ratios and good motors.  But to pile a BEMF power supply on top of that?  Hmmm....

I wonder how that throttle handles coreless motors.  After all, you like to use those in your models.  I wonder if Chris has a loco with coreless motor, and try running it using that throttle?