Do i need a better controller?

S

sargent

Registered
Ive got a PIKO analog controller.

It seems to struggle a little with some of my locos, in particular the newer ones, and the smoothness just isnt there

I have a Piko Br80, Bachmann Lyn 2-4-2, LGB Railbus and LGB BR212 (DCC)

Given that one of my locos is set for DCC, should I look to upgrade my controller?

Just seems that it may not be working as effectively as possible

What are your thoughts? This is for indoor use only
 
I think if your indoor layout has R1 curves and points you are likely to benefit from something called back EMF which enables smoother starts. However there is a cost to this as I guess 3 of your 4 locos will need to be DCC chipped and you will need a DCC controller aka central or command station. At the moment your DCC loco is running in analogue mode which is fine. Just out of interest does that run smoother than the others? There may be advantage in getting a better analogue controller but that is not my area of expertise.
 
I guess the standard controllrs that come with the sets (like my PIKO) aren't the best?

What would you recommend, in terms of a better analog? I do not plan to do anything more with DCC, so i think analog will be the way for me right now
 
sargent said:
Ive got a PIKO analog controller.

It seems to struggle a little with some of my locos, in particular the newer ones, and the smoothness just isnt there

I have a Piko Br80, Bachmann Lyn 2-4-2, LGB Railbus and LGB BR212 (DCC)

Given that one of my locos is set for DCC, should I look to upgrade my controller?

Just seems that it may not be working as effectively as possible

What are your thoughts? This is for indoor use only
Click to expand...


I think we need to step back a little here..

Is all your track and controller new?
Can you give us the model number of the controller?
How dirty is your track?
How good are the joints?
How clean are the wheels on your loco's?
Are you trying to run everything at once?

Have you had a model railway in the past? - This gives us an idea about your level of knowledge about the other questions.
 
PhilP said:
I think we need to step back a little here..

Is all your track and controller new?
Can you give us the model number of the controller?
How dirty is your track?
How good are the joints?
How clean are the wheels on your loco's?
Are you trying to run everything at once?

Have you had a model railway in the past? - This gives us an idea about your level of knowledge about the other questions.
Click to expand...

Yes, all good points. Some of the track is new, some isnt.
Yes, some are a little grubby. Loco wheels are fine
No, I only am running one loco at one, and i will only ever do such.
Model of PIKO controller: Piko 35006 - Basic Analogue Controller 24v/1.6a
 
idlemarvel said:
Yes Greg that's why I was wondering if the loco with the decoder was running better than the others.
Click to expand...

No, it was running worse, much worse, for some odd reason.

I am also inclined to think that the track that is not 'new', could well benefit from a clean.

Apart from the cleaning wagons i have seen, is there a more manual way? I.e. some cleaning soution and a cloth/wire pad??
 
It's hard to beat the good old LGB Mk1 track cleaner:
LGB L50040 - LGB Track Cleaning Block

(No particular relevance to this particular stockist/supplier, just the first one that came up on Google - you should be able to get one from any good LGB stockist.)

Edit: Chalk have it a bit cheaper.... LGB 50040 Track cleaning block/Chalk Garden Rail

Some folks use alternative types of abrasive cleaning blocks, many to good effect, but one of the LGB ones will last you for years, does the job and is kind to the track too.

Jon.
 
Zerogee said:
It's hard to beat the good old LGB Mk1 track cleaner:
LGB L50040 - LGB Track Cleaning Block

(No particular relevance to this particular stockist/supplier, just the first one that came up on Google - you should be able to get one from any good LGB stockist.)

Edit: Chalk have it a bit cheaper.... LGB 50040 Track cleaning block/Chalk Garden Rail

Some folks use alternative types of abrasive cleaning blocks, many to good effect, but one of the LGB ones will last you for years, does the job and is kind to the track too.

Jon.
Click to expand...
Plus Massoth do replacement Rubbers for them, with appologies to US Readers!
 
I have the Piko sets 35 002 + 35 000 power supply and It works fine.
I run 2 engines simultaneously with 2 x 2 electrical motors. (those of my avatar !) without drawing power limitation.

The starter set control kit is too limited.
 
sargent said:
Can you recommend better controllers guys?
Click to expand...
Yep, as others have said, Helmsman are very good - I've had one for some years now (eight or so, I think) and it handles double headed Bachmann locos, gives good response and there is an option for a remote flex controller (which I use with a couple of extensions on the flex).

Probably one of the best UK controllers for DC Large Scale :nod::nod:
 
sargent said:
No, it was running worse, much worse, for some odd reason.
Click to expand...

If it's the BR212 you're referring to here, that's a german centre-cab diesel so a two motor loco isn't it? Two motors is probably too much continuous
load for a basic start-set type controller.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom