Custom Built DC Throttle for Model Trains - Designed and built from scratch

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This video captures the results of a mini project which I embarked on , whereby I wanted to build a 3 channel Fully linear DC Throttle for my HO train layout . Although I primarily run DCC, I do have a decent amount of vintage DC loco's and as a result I needed 3 DC throttles for each of my loops on the layout. I decided to design and build my own throttle as I noticed that the commercially available throttles are of low quality circuitry.
I also wanted to avoid PWM type controllers which are freely available on Ebay , but they do create a noticiable hum on the loco motors. I hope you enjoy the video. - Anthony - Anthony's Hobby Corner.

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Опубликовано:

27 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 34

@c.bmalhotra1530 21 день назад

I am into model trains and have HO and G scale DC trains. I too have made my own train controllers using PWM controller. I am from Chennai India.

@bill8135 5 месяцев назад

Anthony, that is a very compact design housing 3 controllers. You do really nice work. I’m currently building a 2 controller system, based on a modified Peter Thorne design, also full analog. I will have a adjustable momentum and a stepped brake feature on mine.

@anthonyshobbycorner 2 месяца назад

Hi Bill thank you for the kind words. I'm glad that you are also building a Fully analog throttle controller with Momentum etc .. I did design a full momentum controller , and I have built it .. Just have not got time to put it in a case and use it. Please send me a pic or two of your controller when done, I would love to see it. (Anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com) Regards, Anthony.

@ashraaqwahab2817 2 года назад

This is excellent, Anthony!

@anthonyshobbycorner Год назад

THanks Ashraaq . I hope you guys are keeping safe.

@northox 2 года назад

Very interesting. Nicely done!

@anthonyshobbycorner 2 года назад

Thank you Danny , Appreciate the kind words . Means a lot , coming from an Electronics Guru who designs and builds his own custom HiFi amps ...

@anandadesilva6558 Год назад

Just came across this channel. Great controller, just like I want to build. I am emailing as I write this. Thanks for an inspiring project!

@anthonyshobbycorner 2 месяца назад

Sorry for the late response . I don't know how i missed your comment. You must have built your throttle by now . Please share pictures with me if you are so inclined. (Anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com) Regards, Anthony .

@anandadesilva6558 2 месяца назад

@@anthonyshobbycorner Hi Anthony, No, I have not done anything much due to a lot of travel. Again, going away in a couple of weeks. I feel guilty about not getting started but I have some health issues that keep me away from my workbench as well. 24x7 in pain due to a condition I had in 2017. After the surgery for that I can at least walk, if not I would have been in a wheelchair! But I will let you know when I get started. Thanks for checking in. Kind regards.

@mobahartenholm9289 Год назад

Hy Anthony..... its time to run dcc😂 but your soulution is brilliant, I can use some items to create a power supply by using a DPS5015 greetings from germany Rainer

@anthonyshobbycorner Год назад

Hi Rainer, I have setup the power feed to my tracks such that i can run DC or DCC on each track . I have so many DC locomotives ( and ton of Vintage loco's that i would like to keep original - not convert to DCC ) , that I built this DC controller . Now, you can definitely use a DSP 5015 , and I do have some of them . The issue I found was that the rotary encoder does not default to varying the voltage . you have to go through the menus and select voltage and then it will vary the voltage. And also if you shut it down and power it up again , you have to go through the same process . At least that is what I remember . I use those modules as mini bench power supplies . Since you are from Germany, I presume you must have an extensive collection of Fleischmann , Marklin Hamo and Brawa ... There are all my favorite brands .. I have been collecting Fleischmann DC and Roco etc ... they such well built models .. and they are built to last ... Please end me pics of your layout and perhaps the controller that you are building .. i would love to see them - Anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com . Regards, - Anthony -

@longviewkelsolinesRR644 2 года назад

Great job I'm interested want to build something like that for my layout because I'm Currently using 2 and want to clean it up.

@anthonyshobbycorner 2 года назад

Hi Jake , thanks for the kind words . - If you are interested, I've just finished testing a new circuit which I designed , It is a full blown Linear DC controller with Momentum and some additional features ( like adjustments for rate of increase and rate of decrease , where you can set how fast a locomotive responds to momentum with regards to acceleration and deceleration ) . I will be shooting a video on it soon .. If interested, shoot me an email at anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com . Regards ,- Anthony -

@davidjburgess Год назад

Amazing work. How is the low speed crawl? I would buy one from you for an OO layout. I wonder if it would be possible to move the direction switch to above the controller knob instead of the two direction leds? Maybe just have one leds to show track power on.

@NitinSuri-tr4bf Год назад

Fantastic! Stumbled upon this video in search of non PWM DC control. You mentioned a Gen2 throttle board in development in the video starring momentum - I would be very interested in exactly this controller with the momentum, even if momentum applied to only one throttle would work for me. I would be very interested in acquiring the Gen2 throttle boards along with schematics and component list for complete build if possible.

@anthonyshobbycorner Год назад

Hi Nitin , Sorry for the delayed response . I have been very busy with work . I have the Gen 2 Momentum throttle tested , and I have gotten a couple of boards made. Where do you live ? Canada , USA ? let me know . here is my email address , send me a note and we can connect . Anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com Regards, Anthony .

@Alexander_Sth Месяц назад

Hi Anthony, great you done this project by yourself, that is respect. However I would like to share some critics. 1 I heard about construction benefits, but didn't about quality of driving, especially start moment with lowest speed possible 2 You do not tell us what is the excact minimal voltage, if 1-2V, it is not worth it, because some motors like classic HAG could start below, and coreless even from 0.1V. 3 Primitive old school construction does not contain potentiometer, it has Cu wire with brush, muuuuch better solution indeed. 4 Primitive is not the best, because 90% of locomotive need halfwave range to start really great like with DCC on board. Best old school late flagship controllers like Trix, Fleischmann, Titan, Duette, Piko has it. I'm not sure that this feature would take a lot of things... Sure it should be switchable as Duette. 5 Should have additional spring potentiometer (Vishay 100 Ohm or 1k Ohm) for lowering voltage to give more flexibility. Primitive idea was on the Duette. 6 Aha....((( Knob for train controller should be very very very big, like those which had sound amplifier from 90s. Imagine, you control locomotive and it should be as smooth as possible. Those small knobs like your or Gaugemaster suit only for brightness of some lamps "tune and forget". 7 You made the same mistake for direction control as famous British companies when plase it horizontal. It works if you have straight line, but bad with rounds. The best is vertical, because you would always know where you locomotive moves. Could write more, but that is the most important things...

@lowcountryrailroad7701 2 года назад

nice video. is there a way to do a reverse loop in dc

@anthonyshobbycorner 2 года назад

Hi , Yes there is a way to do reverse loop in DC .. One method is bit Manual , where you have to isolate a section of the reverse loop and use a switch to alternate the polarity , and the second way is bit more automated but requires some knowledge of electronics . Send me a message to "anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com" or go to my FB page called "Anthony's hobby corner'" and send me a message via FB messenger, and I will get back to you .. Regards, - Anthony -

@cowsongs 2 года назад

Nice work! VERY NEATLY DONE. I have built a number of throttles using those same two transistors to make a basic current amplifier (the 2N3904 and 2N3055). I started with circuits from an old book by Peter Thorne from the 1970s called "Practical Electronic Projects For Model Railroaders". I would be very interested to see the schematic for your throttle controller board, but I cannot figure out how to get in touch with you (no messaging or email appears in your RU-vid info).

@anthonyshobbycorner 2 года назад

Hi , If you would like to contact me , I can be reached via email at anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com or via Facebook messenger via my Facebook page at anthony's hobby corner FB Page . It's ironing that you also ended up with using the same transistors .. I chose those transistors because 1) they are so freely available , 2) they are very reasonably priced and their current handling and gain ratios were ideal for something like this .. As I have mentioned in the comment below , I have just finished designing and testing a new enhanced DC linear controller with Momentum and some extra features , which are not offered on any other commercially available DC throttles .. If interested , shoot me an email , and I will be glad to respond . Regards, - Anthony-

@toddbordelon5546 2 года назад

Wow! Very nice! I am building a large scale indoor layout and was thinking of building a throttle as you have but my electronics knowledge is not that great. I'm interested in the throttle boards you designed. Can you provide details on them?

@anthonyshobbycorner Год назад

Hi Todd , Thank you for the kind words .. I have been a bit distracted from the hobby during the summer due to obvious reasons ( yard work etc ) .. Don't worry about your concern about electronics .. I am more than willing to help you .. The boards I showed on this video are standard throttles .. What I mean by that is that , it does not have momentum features .. If you are good with a basic throttle , then this would work very well for you .. I have also designed a Momentum Throttle , that has much more features, but also requires more components .. If you are interested in any of these ( at least the circuit board ) let me know .. I can get them to you at cost .. Here is my email address : anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com the boards are quite cheap .. I designed the standard throttle with the most common components in the market . - Regards, Anthony .

@raypuls7863 Год назад

Hello Anthony, I just found this video on the throttle and it looks like what I would like to build for our club layout. I like the addition of the momentum for the throttle, I realize that you built an additional throttle with the momentum, I did not see the video on that throttle, I may have missed it in your list. I did subscribe to your channel, you do excellent work. I have dabbled in the electronics some but in no way am I an expert but would love to try a dual throttle. I would like to obtain information on building the throttle with momentum. Thank you Ray

@anthonyshobbycorner Год назад

Hi Ray , thank of the kind words and comment. Yes, i have designed and built (from scratch) a new throttle with Momentum . I have just not got a chance to post a video as of yet. This new throttle has 4 additional controls ( beyond the speed control ) I have introduced 1)Momentum , 2) Momentum rate ( How much momentum you want depending on the loco ) , 3) Brake button 4) rate of brake ( how fast or slow you want the brake to work . I have been testing it on my layout and it seems to work fine . The only thing is that my throttles don't have short circuit protection . But the Transistors i am using can handle up to 15 amps ( if you have sufficient cooling ( small fan or good heat sink , or even add an automotive bulb ( 1156 ) in series etc ) . I have made a few extra boards . I will try to send you some pics at least . Send me an email to my channel ( Anthonyshobbycorner@gmail.com) email, and we can communicated from there. The components I have used are the most common components you can find ( i did this intentionally ) , so that people can source the parts easily . Regards, - Anthony - ( send me an email ).

@raypuls7863 5 месяцев назад

@@anthonyshobbycornerHi Anthony, I am still interested in building these throttles, you had mentioned having the boards printed and that there would be a cost. I have not heard any more about that but if you would have two made for me let me know the price and how I might pay you and it will be done. Ray

@christoswart6316 2 месяца назад

Hallo Anthony. Please send me the cicuit diagram as I want to build one for myself also. Thankyou.

@anthonyshobbycorner 2 месяца назад

Hi , So I did a circuit schematic for the individual throttles, but I don't believe i did one which shows the wiring to the switches etc .. I also designed a momentum throttle with brake , Momentum hold and a few extra features .. IF you want the circuit diargram of the throttles , I can send them to you .. Give me an email address and i will send them to you . Regards, Anthony

@stevequinn5024 Год назад

My comment disappeared. Do you sell these?

@anthonyshobbycorner Год назад

hey Steve, I don't sell them . I just make one for my layout . I do make the indivudial DC throtles ( of which I have 3 in this specific controller ) . It's my own custom designed circuit. IF you are looking for a DC throttle which you can put in your own case etc, then I do have a few extra DC throttle boards that I made . You will need a power supply to power it , like a typical laptop computer power brick will do the trick . that is what I use . Are you handy with doing your own soldering ? Let me know Regards, - Anthony -

@anandadesilva6558 Год назад

Hi Anthony, I emailed you about this project. Hope you will respond. Thanks

@anthonyshobbycorner Год назад

Hi Ananda , So sorry , i have been so busy , that I have not got a chance to response to you and other subscribers .. my sincere apologies .. i will try to get connect with you soon . I have built a momentum throttle now , just don't have time to shoot a video . Regards, - Anthony -

@anandadesilva6558 Год назад

@Anthony's Hobby Corner - Model Trains - Thanks Anthony. No worries. When you have the time, like to get the info on the throttle. Thanks again.