Post by ztrack on Mar 11, 2021 14:29:14 GMT -5
I have been working with a customer with balky AZL F7s. In watching the video of these locos running, they were acting in a way I have never seen before. I then noticed the customer was using an HO controller. Hence the reason for this post.
If you are not running DCC, then only use a Z scale rated controller. Failure to do so may harm your locomotives. Typically we think higher voltage is what damages motors. In some cases it is true, but more often the amperage and higher pulse modulation that some controllers have is ultimately what does the harm. Additionally, it may also void the warranty of your locomotive. The damage may not be instantaneous. The motors may slowly degrade overtime due the factors mentioned.
As of now, the Z scale rated controllers we recommend for AZL products are as follows:
Marklin controller (blue case)
Marklin controller (white case)
Marklin 9volt battery controller
MRC 1300 (modified for Z - available through Micro-Trains)
Rokuhan RC02
Rokuhan RC03
Zthek battery controllers (predecessor to Ztrack Snails)
Ztrack's Snail Speed Controllers
It is not a long list and we will add additional controllers as they come on the market.
Also note, some companies brand their controllers with either a Z in the name, or Z listed on the box. This can be misleading. By adhering to the list above, you will be safe.
Rob
If you are not running DCC, then only use a Z scale rated controller. Failure to do so may harm your locomotives. Typically we think higher voltage is what damages motors. In some cases it is true, but more often the amperage and higher pulse modulation that some controllers have is ultimately what does the harm. Additionally, it may also void the warranty of your locomotive. The damage may not be instantaneous. The motors may slowly degrade overtime due the factors mentioned.
As of now, the Z scale rated controllers we recommend for AZL products are as follows:
Marklin controller (blue case)
Marklin controller (white case)
Marklin 9volt battery controller
MRC 1300 (modified for Z - available through Micro-Trains)
Rokuhan RC02
Rokuhan RC03
Zthek battery controllers (predecessor to Ztrack Snails)
Ztrack's Snail Speed Controllers
It is not a long list and we will add additional controllers as they come on the market.
Also note, some companies brand their controllers with either a Z in the name, or Z listed on the box. This can be misleading. By adhering to the list above, you will be safe.
Rob
... if You ensure that voltage never goes over 10 V ! For myself I don't "turn a knob" to drive the trains, there are 4 trimmers adjusted and selected automatically according to the various profiles of the track. A conventional, short-circuit proof controller could use the OPA547 (it is used in my design), via a resistor You can adjust the maximum current ; if You preset it to 100 mA (enough for most locomotives), then in case of a short-circuit no more current can flow .. and Your Rokuhan turnouts won't go to Walhalla.
Unfortunately Oli Passmann passed away some months ago, and I've not heard his controller is still made by someone else.