New Model Railroad Power Controller
d. bodnar  9-10-2024

To see another, more sophisticated controller click here: http://www.trainelectronics.com/PowerController/NewController2.htm

Several years ago I wrote an article that showed how to build a simple model railroad power controller using off-the-shelf components.  It was well received and a number of viewers reported their success with the project.  (see:  http://www.trainelectronics.com/PowerController/ )

Recently I received an email asking if a controller that the gentleman found on  eBay would work to control his trains.  It was inexpensive (about $15) and appeared to be just what was needed to run a model train that operated from simple DC power (not DCC or Lionel AC).  As you can see from this photo it has a potentiometer to adjust speed and a rocker switch to change from forward to stop to backwards.

 
POWER FOR THE CONTROLLER
Some sort of DC power supply is needed for the controller.  A number of options and wiring details are in the first section of the original web page linked here:   http://www.trainelectronics.com/PowerController/ 

CONTROLLER #!


The controller is available from eBay, AliExpress and Amazon for as little as $9.00.  It can work with a DC power supply of 10 to 60 volts.  It is advertised to supply up to 6 amps but I would not trust it for more than 2 or 3 as there is little in the way of a heat sink in the unit and it is sure to get hot.

It has only two controls: a potentiometer that is used to adjust speed and a 3-way rocker switch.  The rocker switch determines the direction of rotation of the motor.  The center position disconnects the power from the motor.

The unit has four screw terminals.  Two go to the POWER supply and two go to the MOTOR. 
The + lead for POWER goes to the positive power supply lead and the - POWER goes to the negative.  Be careful to connect the POWER leads with the correct polarity as reversing them could damage the controller.

The MOTOR leads can go to either terminal on the motor or track.

The only other item of interest is a red power LED that lights when power is applied to the controller.

As a test I connected the controller to a G-scale railroad track with three 0-4-0 engines on it and ran them for 30 minutes.  The combined current draw was about 2 amps and the engines ran well even at very low speed.

If you are looking for a very capable yet simple to use controller this just might be for you.