... when the tracks are independent and different in character (but sharing the scenery). Starting from nothing. And home-build electronics is out.
I guess "twin track" suggests a Gaugemaster D. The Morley controllers also seem to fit the bill: does anyone have any experience with them (http://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=1843.0)? Although I'm a bit confused as to why the Vector is recommended for OO9 rather than the Vesta, when there are so many N-gauge donor chassis.
But given the tracks will be operationally different, is there an argument for having a pair of single-track controllers with different characteristics? (eg a Gaugemaster Combi and, er, something else.)
No reason, that I can think of.
You need to think about cost and what space you have to accommodate the controller(s) and (if separate) their power supplies/transformers.
However, I would advise you buy new, decent, controllers. It distresses me to see people with high-value, modern locos on their layouts with crummy controllers that look like something from a 1950's "B" sci-fi movie....
The Gaugemaster d controlled track outputs can be used with common return wiring as the two controllers use different windings. This will significantly reduce the wires needed on a sectional layout and only single pole section switches are needed. However sadly the 16v ac output cannot be used with common return wiring as it uses the same winding as one of the controlled outputs. This will almost double the wires needed on a layout if you have electric point motors unless you have a separate 16v transformer to power them.
Gaugemaster controllers have a lifetime guarantee, all you need to pay for is the postage back to them.
The most common fault I have found over the years is a dirty control pot causing erratic behaviour as you turn the speed up and down. (The power light will also flicker when turning the speed up and down with no loco on the track with this fault.) But send the unit back and they will fix it and send it back to you free of charge.
In fact they will fix any of their controllers provided the parts are available and the unit has not been tampered with. So purchasing a second hand gaugemaster controller is a safe bet even if it is not working well.
Brian Meldon
I am a digital user HOWEVER I have had quite a bit of experience of both GMaster D and Morley Vesta on N gauge & 009 layouts, both work well but the Morley in my opinion has slightly better slow running control AND value for money is better as not only do you get a twin track unit also included are 2 x Hand held controllers ( 2.5M cables) which plug in to the main unit and a CDU supply for solenoid point motors built in if required!
The Morley looks a little more refined ( I am looking at one as I type!!)
Steve
This might not be a problem at the top of anyones mind when purchasing controllers but if you are exhibiting then weight can be an issue.
A model D is quite heavy although they are extremely robust and the ones I have used have never failed. An alternative is two Model W controllers although each would require its own 16v AC supply. You pays your money and takes your choice.
Quote from: B.Meldon on June 08, 2017, 14:01
The Gaugemaster d controlled track outputs can be used with common return wiring as the two controllers use different windings. This will significantly reduce the wires needed on a sectional layout and only single pole section switches are needed. However sadly the 16v ac output cannot be used with common return wiring as it uses the same winding as one of the controlled outputs.
But if you don't use common return on the controlled outputs, could you use it for the accessories and the controlled output they
don't share a winding with? (I've got to say, I'm struggling to understand this -- O level electronics was a
long time ago.)
Re your early enquiry why Morley recommend Victor for 00-9, this was discussed ages ago on another forum and the answer apparently was that the description author had mistakenly considered 00-9 to be a variant of 4mm scale and not a Narrow Gauge system using similar Mechs to N Gauge.
As a matter of interest I have today disconnected my digital system from my work in progress 00-9 layout and borrowed a couple of Minitrains locos to test them with my Morley Vectis and Gaugemaster D I found that performance was nearly identical in terms of very slow speed running ( we wont mention top speed!!!) But on a gradient of approx. 1 in 25 the Vectis gave a better slow speed performance on the climb, descending though showed little difference.
If you are building an exhibition layout I would think twice before using a "D" as you will have to make something for it to sit on and then you can only operate from one place...
A couple of Combis would work better I think...
Quote from: hughn on June 07, 2017, 19:54
No reason, that I can think of.
You need to think about cost and what space you have to accommodate the controller(s) and (if separate) their power supplies/transformers.
However, I would advise you buy new, decent, controllers. It distresses me to see people with high-value, modern locos on their layouts with crummy controllers that look like something from a 1950's "B" sci-fi movie....
It distresses me more when I read articles in Magazines describing layouts etc when it comes to the power supply and ANCIENT Hammant & Morgan Duette etc. ( or other ancient brand) is mentioned, its not too long ago that a modeller was electrocuted when the metal case of his old controller became live due to cable wear!
It surprises me still that some modellers still hang on to old controllers, when a replacement with much higher spec would cost less than a locomotive.
Quote from: Steve Lewis on June 11, 2017, 09:04
It distresses me more when I read articles in Magazines describing layouts etc when it comes to the power supply and ANCIENT Hammant & Morgan Duette etc. ( or other ancient brand) is mentioned, its not too long ago that a modeller was electrocuted when the metal case of his old controller became live due to cable wear!
It surprises me still that some modellers still hang on to old controllers, when a replacement with much higher spec would cost less than a locomotive.
I tend to agree. It does stress the importance of PAT testing, especially the initial bit we can all do informally which is to inspect our gear for loose wires, worn insulation, signs of overheating and so on.
Clearly something was very wrong in the instance mentioned. If the live wire had come loose and was touching the metal case it should have blown the fuse. If a controller has a metal case that is not fully bonded to earth then get rid of it immediately.
People would rather save a few quid than play safe... There's no other logical reason as the new controllers are light years better than the old ones so no logical reason to buy old ones...
gaugemaster combi's for me. Economical, nice to handle and good running,
Quote from: S Arrowsmith on June 10, 2017, 14:45
Quote from: B.Meldon on June 08, 2017, 14:01
The Gaugemaster d controlled track outputs can be used with common return wiring as the two controllers use different windings. This will significantly reduce the wires needed on a sectional layout and only single pole section switches are needed. However sadly the 16v ac output cannot be used with common return wiring as it uses the same winding as one of the controlled outputs.
But if you don't use common return on the controlled outputs, could you use it for the accessories and the controlled output they don't share a winding with? (I've got to say, I'm struggling to understand this -- O level electronics was a long time ago.)
There is nothing stopping you not using common return wiring for the points and accessories. It will just need more wires on the layout!
If you do not use common return wiring on the controlled outputs every section on the track will need two wires from every section switch you have and every section switch will have to be double pole. This will effectively double the wires between the controls and the track.
Using the same common return for the track and the common on all the point motors and other electrical accessories on the layout will also save a lot of wiring.
Brian Meldon