building a small swithcing layout in ho and id like to be able to use a small handheld throttle for operating. i searched ebay but to no avail. any hints or place that sell those. id love to be able to build one from old MR plans but i have 0 electronical skills
If you’re talking VERY simple, Aristocraft (use to) sell an RF unit that works with a standard DC powerpack. I believe it was intended for G-scale trains, but I have used it successfully with HO for years. Needs Zero electonics skills to operate or set up.
Try eBay looking for Aristocraft, maybe…
AT ONE TIME ‘tethered’ hand held throttles were all the rage. They had more power (amps) and provided walk along control and reachable access.
A majority of popular throttles, today, offer neither - catering to the new or novice buyer, or those wanting the offerings of DCC. Most of MRC’s DC throttles are 1.4a -1.5 amps bragging about their high “Power”. Many will be caught short pulling a train with just 2 old Athearn BB engines from Ebay.
A couple of small manufacturers still offer ‘hand helds’ ON A DIRECT BASIS, and RF has now replaced ‘Tetheried’ for cord free operation. ‘VA’s are the new term for ‘Watts’ - and separates the’men’ from the ‘boys’ - power wise. (note) DCC units offer 3 amp and 5 amp power supplies to operate multiple ‘Districts’ with.
RIX (I have) no longer offers his h.h. unit. Shop around. One maker of ‘fast clocks’, has a good one.
MRC makes the Control Master 20. Has a small walkaround controller, a coiled cord, and a base unit.
Big piece of machinery. Has its own cooling fan. Designed to handle G scale loads, with a switch to reduce the voltage to HO friendly 12 volts max.
Have used one to run 5-6 Athearns, with a heavy train behind.
The handheld uses modular phone plugs, so replacement parts and expansion are quite easy.