DC controllers for points

[Hugh Norwood]

I think you would be OK to use the same 16Vac supply to power both your controller and the point motors. The only issue you might have is than if you are actually running a loco when you change a set of points, the loco might slow down or stop as the power required to fire a point motor "sucks" power from the controller. (to put it simply)

As I said above - try it.

(Note - on my test track I use one power supply for everything - controller power, point motor power and power for the mimic panel, so it does work!)

[5113GBAK]

Hugh
Disk world was quite insane, I think I read them all

[JulienW]

Julien
I'm not sure why you council against taking power from the transformer plug and I suspect it would be beyond me in any case.  I did consider a component the would permit a single 16Vac input to a two 16Vac output, just like any extension lead used in the home.  You suggest this would not be a good idea, but use the correct outlets on the controller.  Is that correct?
Graham

My advice about leaving the transformer plug alone was made on the basis that it wouldn't be something I'd try either Graham!

Gaugemaster have been in the business of model railway controllers for a good number of years, so their controllers are designed to do the job (and in my opinion do it very well) of driving the trains and operating the points.

I would use the 16v AC outlets on the controller on the basis that's what they are designed to do.

Whilst one could add a component to split the 16v AC from the wall transformer into two it's adding complexity to the system that is somewhat unnecessary imho.

Whilst having a hand held unit trailing multiple wires (those from the wall socket transformer, 2 for the 12vDC and another 2 from the 16v AC for the points) could be seen as awkward this could be reduced by using a plastic comb binding spines to hold the wires together when operating that will allow you to unclip the the wall transformer wire from the 'umbilical' when it's time to pack up.

Hope that helps...

[5113GBAK]

Thank you for all of your help

Graham