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Does anyone know how to modify a train controler? I want to allow my kids to play with the train but they only know 2 setting. Off and Full. The train running around the track on full speed does not last to long. I need to know what trace on the (...) (23 years ago, 15-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) I recall seeing some picture with a modified traincontroller for a kids-layout by a LTC (can't find the pic right now and I don't remember which LTC sorry), instead of changing the circuitry the controlknob was changed so it couldn't be moved (...) (23 years ago, 15-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains, lugnet.trains.org)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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"jrosco" <jrosco@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:GL84C1.M03@lugnet.com... (...) to (...) know (...) to (...) I asked an electronics engineer at work to modify one of mine so that at full rotation, only half power was output. This is now my (...) (23 years ago, 15-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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This is very simple. There are 9 steps, which are clearly when one opens the controller. I don't have it handy right now, but what one could do, is to cut the last pads and connect them to the wanted highest speed e.g. 5, so pads 5-9 would be (...) (23 years ago, 15-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) The NGLTC has (at least) one of these. They are very handy, not for the kids layout, but for the big layout in areas where the kids can grab the controller and send your nice trains flying. I've used one but never created one, so perhaps this (...) (23 years ago, 15-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains, lugnet.trains.org)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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The simplest answer is not to modify the controller but to replace the power unit/transformer - i.e. the thing that comes in the yellow box that you plug into the wall and then into the controller. By one from any electrical store - get one with (...) (23 years ago, 19-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) Ugg. Now why didn't I THINK of that? Good idea! A Very good idea! Dean (23 years ago, 19-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) David, What a nice solution! Just as a precaution, would my motors blow up if the setting was accidentally switched to 12 volt? And as a follow-up question, could the 12 volt setting in theory be used to power the old 12 volt lighting bricks? (...) (23 years ago, 19-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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I've also used this solution for some switching setups, and found it quite useful. I can answer some questions, but the cost is that I'll ask a new one. No explosions, the motors work fine at 12v. I've even taken one up to 14v with no ill effects, (...) (23 years ago, 22-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) I think you've missed the point slightly. We are talking about 9 volt controllers and power supplies to the unit. The STANDARD power supply for the 9 volt controllers is 12 VOLTS AC! It turns it into DC 9 VOLTS inside the unit. When your using (...) (23 years ago, 22-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) One might think that the settings (based on 9v max) are 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, and 9, but they aren't. I cannot remember where the scale starts on the speed controller, but I think it is around 3V. Below that setting (3V?), there just isn't (...) (23 years ago, 22-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) You're right, I didn't understand the specifics, and this is why I'm not an electrical engineer. So, to summarize, the wall wart that plugs into the wall reduces 120v of AC electricity from the wall to 12v AC. Then, the train controller (...) (23 years ago, 22-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) You are right. I think it's 2.9 volts or there abouts. Anything less and it's too low. Inside is just mis matched resistors. As you turn the knob up it just pulls more of them out of the circuit. Dean (23 years ago, 24-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) My solution was to add a resistor over them (picture later). Yes the lowest is 2.9V. By adding a resistor over them all makes i affect the higher settings more than the lower ones. This is right for less that 2.9V is not enough for the motor (...) (23 years ago, 25-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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My suggestion is to use a RCX and a remote control to control your train, you can lismit highest speed in NQC or legOS program, then your children can use remote control, simpler than regulator. Zhengrong (...) (23 years ago, 26-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) Well, I want to modify mine to output a constant 9V for powering technic motor gadgets (e.g. point motors). I've just got some polarity switches, and I want to fit them on my controller. I've been advised to wire up my own 9V regulator with a (...) (23 years ago, 26-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) I use the standard, unmodified, train controller for technic. Just have it at max power and you have 9 volts. Dean (23 years ago, 26-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) And you also have trains all over the floor, if you happen to have just the one controller. Thank you, but I'll take it under advisement :-) The point is that you take off a steady 9V and feed it into a bank of polarity switches. These then (...) (23 years ago, 26-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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How many out there are interested in a non-LEGO circuit board that can physically directly replace the one in the LEGO controller? It would provide nice linear pulsed (smooth at slow speeds) speed control. How much would you spend, $20, $40, $60? I (...) (23 years ago, 26-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) Sigh, I meant use a SECOND 9 volt Regulator, NOT the same one your controlling the trains with. Geez... (...) Two controllers works just fine. (...) If you mean do I crash trains all the time, sadly yes, but it's not my fault! Dean (23 years ago, 27-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) So, you mean that heavy trains would actually be able to run slowly instead of not running at all at settings like 1, 2, or 3? Hmm... an IR remote receiver, would it be IRDA compliant? could I run it from my Mac? :) Would you be able to make (...) (23 years ago, 27-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) If you're into trains you have these controllers coming out of your ears. If you're not, post in market.buy-sell-trade and you can get one for about 1/2 the LEGO price. May or may not be competitive with homebrew. But I don't see homebrew (...) (23 years ago, 27-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) I would like a pulse power throttle but am saving my pennies for DCC. Since I'd need several, a more basic design that hits the 20 dollar price point is desirable. If it has a trimpot to set the upper range which is accessible from the (...) (23 years ago, 27-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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(...) Turned out pretty simple in the end, and a lot cheaper than a second-hand controller. I had to make do with 8V, as it was the only regulator I could get. But, it takes power from inside the standard controller, so only steps down from 15V to (...) (23 years ago, 27-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) I'd be interested in a pulsed controller, but only at a fairly low price. Also I'd want a steady 9V take-off for running my point motors. Not so sure about the IR, but it would be cool if the IR actually rotated the dial, like my stereo's IR (...) (23 years ago, 27-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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| | Re: Does anyone know how to modify a train controler?
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The throttle would not have steps, it'd be a clean smooth sweep from 0v to 9v. The IR receiver would make it so any $5 universal remote could be used to control speed and direction. SteveB (...) (23 years ago, 28-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) I'd pay $40. If it had to be more because of the limited numbers be produced I might pay more (if I was buying from an entity like LEGO 40 would be the max.) Just out of curiosity, how much do *basic* model train transformers go for? Chris (23 years ago, 28-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) If you're not devoting at least 100 ft**2 to your layout, your priorities are wrong. :-) Who needs sleeping space or a dining room anyway? I've been to the UK, don't try to shine me on... it's not THAT small. I saw Huw's layout at the fest at (...) (23 years ago, 28-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) I know. I was there too. You bought me a bag of chips and they mucked up the order, remember? You may even have quaffed some of my Belgian cherry beer. Huw's got a great layout. Unfortunately I don't have a spare room in the flat I can devote (...) (23 years ago, 29-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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(...) You're just whinging. Get a bigger flat. Or get rid of the bed. Priorities, man... priorities! OK, I will stop now. But I WILL say this, I had LEGO in EVERY ROOM of my temporary apartment in Detroit. (23 years ago, 29-Oct-01, to lugnet.trains)
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