Controllers

When it comes to the networks, the two main ones; XpressNet (Lenz) and LocoNet (Digitrax), my observations of interworking are:

XpressNet - Lenz, Roco, ZTC(?). Not many aftermarket boards.

LocoNet - Digitrax, Fleischmann, Uhlenbrock. Several aftermarket small makers, eg. CML electronics "control tower" for producing a layout mimic diagram. Fremo Fred DIY throttle.

There are probably loads more to add to the lists.

- Nigel

Another little link on Jump Throttles:

I'm sure someone with knowledge of short distance radio or IR circuits could make it wireless without much difficulty or complexity.

- Nigel

No perfectly correct, a 10k load will pull about 1mA or slightly less as the battery voltage droops. A PP3's capacity varies a lot with brand but should be at least 250mAH, and over 1000mAH for a lithium type, so anywhere from

Jeff

Ta, glad my mental maths are correct...

I've now got interested in whether one could make an ultra low cost wireless version :-)

- Nigel

Only if you can get ultra-lowcost bits and pieces. DIY electronics is becoming a niche hobby, not the viable alternative to purchase that it used to be.

I know. Its been a continual drift for most of my adult life; as a teenager, some of my friends built their own stereo amps, cassette electronics, etc. By the time I was in my 20's, it was scarcely economic to do such; I looked and thought about it, then went to the local hifi dealer (though now I'm mid 40's, I have one friend who still builds audiophile grade kit, his latest power supply project must have cost several hundred pounds).

I appreciate that the solution today will be to either buy commercially or canibalise kit sold for other uses (eg. cheap R/C gear).

- Nigel

Nigel Cliffe said the following on 08/12/2007 14:12:

At 41 3/4, it looks like we've had almost parallel lives! I started in electronics when I was 11. I rarely even make my own leads now because they're cheaper to buy complete, never mind anything like amps! I also built my own amp, cassette deck electronics etc in my time. I even built a ZX81 from a kit when I was at school!