Hello im looking for help on how to build a walk around throttle for a dc layout.
step Bye step. I had one many years ago built and I don’t remember what was used in it to build it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Rob Paisly has circuits for DC throttles indexed on this page: http://www.circuitous.ca/CircuitIndex.html#3
Ken Stapleton has PWM DC throttles in various stages of assembly at http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/Index.html
Model Railroader had circuits in various issues - I built a very simple Darlington-based hand held throttle from one of these. Still have it. Used a Radio Shack small project box, and an old telephone handset coiled cord. Don’t recall what issue it was, but it was probably from '70s. Cost all of $5 for parts. In building most of these circuits, the quality of the control potentiometer or the push buttons (whichever is used) are key to the throttle lasting.
Fred W
One thing to watch for with any of these old circuits is to make sure all the components are still available.
I have used a Stapleton PWM DC throttle on my layout for many years, with an MRC Control Master 20 supplying the juice.
Ken’s only 20 minutes-or-so away from me, and if I ever needed repairs to the throttle, I’m confident that he’d always stand behind his products.
Here are a few of the throttles that I’ve used in the past…
And Ken’s walk-around throttle…
I use ordinary telephone plug-in receptacles at various locations on the layout’s fascia…
…so it’s easy to follow around with the controller plugged-in with a stretchy 'phone cord…
If you’re planning to contact Ken, feel free to tell him that I reccommend his throttles to anyone who asks about them.
Wayne
Deleted for incompleteness.
Usually the only component not available today is a specific transistor or amplifier chip. However, modern substitutes are readily available.
Fred W