I am happy to report that I have found a programmable motor controller that is more than capable of running a point-to-point trolley or train.

The item number is ZK-DMC02 and it is currently available at Amazon and AliExpress.  The price should be less than $25.

1. Introduction - other PTP solutions - found this that fills the bill in most ways - Amazon & Aliexpress
2. Features - DC motor control & programmability - input voltage 12- 30v - docs say 10 amps... would not use with more than a few amps unless small fan was added  - suitable for N through G scale trains - programmable speed, acceleration, deceleration, pause between forward & reverse
3. Controls - set knob with button function - Run/stop - CW & CCW direction buttons
4. Programming - apply power -hold knob button in for 3 seconds to enter Programming mode (shows F-01) -  Turn knob to select a function to modify - Press knob button for 3 seconds to complete

Example of programming

Apply power

display shows speed % over times to repeat

press knob 3 seconds to enter function mode

display shows F-01 over P03 - SET indicates that it is ready to program mode #3

turn knob to select function to change (F-01-->F-14) - see table below for a description of each function

To program for point to point set F-01 to P18 by pressing the Run/Stop button to place the cursor in bottom area and turning the knob to P18 - press knob for 3 seconds to complete

We also need to change the following

• F-02 (time for forward power on in 1/10ths of a second)
• F-03 (time for delay after forward run in 1/10ths of a second)
• F-04 (time for backward power on in 1/10ths of a second)
• F-05 (time for delay after backward run in 1/10ths of a second)
• F-06 (number of cycles or repetitions of forward/backward run)
      1 = forward once & backward once, 2 = forward, backward, forward, backward and so on
      ---- repeats indefinitely
• note - F6 accepts 4 digits -  when setting this value you can briefly press the knob to move within the digits of the value
• F-12 (set the acceleration / deceleration rate - 001 is the slowest acceleration and 100 is the fastest
• When done move cursor top line & hold the knob to finish - press the Run/Stop to start
       -note that you can change the speed with the knob as it is running

Pressing RUN/STOP starts the action
an external button can be added with the included cable - connect pins 12V- and Start/Stop

I am happy to report that I have found a programmable motor controller that is more than capable of running a point-to-point trolley or train. It is also well-suited for motorized animations.

The item number is ZK-DMC02 and it is currently available at Amazon and AliExpress.  The price should be less than $25.

• Dedicated DC Motor Forward & Reverse Controller: This controller is designed specifically for DC motors, supporting a wide DC 12–30V input range. It uses an H-bridge drive design with a maximum effective current of up to 10A, ensuring stable and reliable operation.
• 23 Built-in Motion Modes for Versatile Control: The module features 23 preset motion modes, covering speed control, jog operation, delay, cycle, forward/reverse rotation, and output control, allowing quick selection of suitable motion profiles.
• Power-Off Memory with Adjustable Parameters: Supports power-off memory and retains settings such as speed, run time, delay time, and cycle count. The cycle count can be set from 1 to 9999, making it ideal for automated repetitive tasks.
• Modbus Communication & Multiple Control Methods: Supports Modbus communication and TTL serial control. The controller can operate as a standalone module or be integrated into other automation systems, with automatic, manual, parameter setting, and serial control modes.
• Multiple Protections & Rich Expansion Interfaces: Built-in stall protection and adjustable overcurrent protection, with reverse polarity input protection. Provides expansion interfaces for power supply, buttons, limit switches, and outputs, suitable for general industrial control applications (not for medical, fire protection, or life-critical use).