SDJR7F88 Posted April 21, 2017 Share Posted April 21, 2017 Hi all. I've been thinking about starting a 009 mirco exhibition layout, after visiting the superb, but sadly the last Narrow Gauge South West Show, at Shepton Mallet. I've been taken by the number of superb little models on offer and been pricing up a number of Minitrains Products. After looking into it, I found site mentions Minitrain Products should not be ran with a controller that has an output of more than 1amps. I hoped to use my Gauge Master Combi for the layout (though on reading the instructions it mentions it's 1.1amps). Will I need to get a special controller? Or will it be suitable? Many thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium cnw6847 Posted April 21, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted April 21, 2017 I use the Gaugemaster Combi with no problems with Minitrains items, that includes all day use at exhibitions. I also have one of the Minitrains controllers which is also good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertiedog Posted April 21, 2017 Share Posted April 21, 2017 Just to mention in passing, the controller output in amps does not really matter, it is the voltage applied to the motor that governs the current flow, when a recommendation to use one of one amp is made, it is just saying do not bother with a more powerful unit. If far too powerful a unit is used thee is a risk that the current flowing in a shorting condition will be higher than the smaller unit, and thus risk more damage before the unit shuts down, (blows a fuse), in modern units, an electronically protected output. If a small motor stalls however it only draws as much current as it's resistance allows, so will be safe in normal running on any rating of a controller. If a short goes across the track, then with a bigger unit more power flows before shut down. The controller you mention will be fine for the Minitrains locos. When running they draw about .25 amps unloaded, so will run on any 12 volt controller. At most they draw about an amp under heavy loads, which is where the rather confusing advice comes from. Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevelewis Posted April 22, 2017 Share Posted April 22, 2017 Although I am a digital user never used analogue for 20 years now!! I an involved with a nother 009 layout under construction which due to its simplicity will be will be analogue ' I have just purchased a Morley controllers 'Vesta' controller which is specifically for n Gauge, It has twin centre knob off controllers additional outlets for accessories, also a built in CDU for point motor power AND it comes with TWO handheld units which can be plugged in to the unit to enable remote use of the controller. Price around £75 instant next day dely as well. I have tested it with several H0e loco brands Minitrains, Roco, Liliput Bemo etc and it provides superb fine control. All I have to do now is remember how to wire analoge layouts!! sections switches etc!! www.morleycontrollers.com they live in Southport also have an Australian branch as well Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobby Posted April 23, 2017 Share Posted April 23, 2017 I don't us the Combi but the similar W, both will be fine with all the various makes and chassis used by 009 Modelllers! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lesmond Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 I've had good success in Gnine (more or less 009 only a bit bigger) with a controller made from one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-1-8V-3V-5V-6V-12V-MOTOR-Speed-Controller-PWM-Available-in-UK-1st-class-Post-/132175223628? with an input of smoothed 12v DC. Nice slow running, no heat issues and so far 100% reliable. As mentioned above, any half decent controller will do the job well, though. Les Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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