Want to add speed control to a locomotive powered with a 12 volt lead battery

[yellow_cad]

This is a smaller 4-6-0 locomotive that currently has just an off/on switch. I just want a speed control so I can set it so it is either slower or faster when I turn it on. It is a secondary locomotive so I don't need to get too elaborate. Thanks for any help on this. Jim

 

[PhilP]

This is a smaller 4-6-0 locomotive that currently has just an off/on switch. I just want a speed control so I can set it so it is either slower or faster when I turn it on. It is a secondary locomotive so I don't need to get too elaborate. Thanks for any help on this. Jim

Do you want to change direction, at all?

PhilP.

<edit>
This from evilBay UK:

5V-16V 10A PWM DC Motor Speed Controller Regulator LED Dimmer Speed Control'UK | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 5V-16V 10A PWM DC Motor Speed Controller Regulator LED Dimmer Speed Control'UK at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Search "12 volt DC motor speed controller" on your side of the pond..

 

[yellow_cad]

I don't believe I will change direction, but what is available. I did find the one you suggested over here. Thanks.

 

[PhilP]

I don't believe I will change direction, but what is available. I did find the one you suggested over here. Thanks.

To change direction:

You add a DPDT switch to the OUTPUT of the speed controller. - Personally, I would make it a centre-off switch. Then even if you go from one direction to another very quickly, there is still a break in the supplied voltage. No (less) chance of doing major damage to your drive-chain.

Sockets & Plugs

For reliable connection of a truck and trailer on commercial vehicles or caravans, we offer several types of trailer connector sockets and plugs for 12 V and 24 V systems. Available in 2-, 3-, 7-, 13- or 15-pole variations, our trailer plugs and sockets conform to applicable ISO standards, and...

www.littelfuse.com

Sorry all the links are to UK sellers!

Salecom T8012-sebq-h DPDT On-off-on Min Toggle Switch for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Salecom T8012-sebq-h DPDT On-off-on Min Toggle Switch at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

PhilP.

 

[Moonraker]

This is a smaller 4-6-0 locomotive that currently has just an off/on switch. I just want a speed control so I can set it so it is either slower or faster when I turn it on. It is a secondary locomotive so I don't need to get too elaborate. Thanks for any help on this. Jim

In the past I have used devices which cost about US$5. Go to Banggood and search for Low Voltage DC 1.8V 3V 5V 6V 12V 2A Motor Speed Controller PWM 1803B If you check their range you may find similar units with a centre off so that one knob will do speed control and reversing.

Regards
Peter Lucas
MyLocoSound

 

[Greg Elmassian]

A little more money, but some more sophisticated options that would give more interest, also in the USA.

Critter Controls

Custom Vinyl Lettering and Electronics for Garden Railroading

www.gscalegraphics.net

Greg

 

[dunnyrail]

I have posted this before but is worth repeating. For reverting and stopping many resort to a DPDTCO switch. Whilst this works if you are in a rush to stop the train and hit the switch it is so very easy to go from forwards to reverse, a real problem if the train is flat out and a potential motor and gear train damaging possibility. This solution shown below is a safer bet using 2 x SPCO switches one each side of the Loco for access. Note that you must wire things this way, if you put the feed in the centre opposing switch locations will cause a short.

both switches forwards or reverced make the train go, one opposing and the train stops. So much easier to just flick one switch if you have that Emergancy.

 

[yellow_cad]

This is what I found. I don't plan to change direction often and when I do with other locomotives, I have always been careful.

RioRand 6V 12V 24V 28V 3A 80W DC Motor Speed Controller PWM Speed Adjustable Reversible Switch 1203BB DC Motor Driver Reversing - - Amazon.com

RioRand 6V 12V 24V 28V 3A 80W DC Motor Speed Controller PWM Speed Adjustable Reversible Switch 1203BB DC Motor Driver Reversing - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[Moonraker]

A little more money, but some more sophisticated options that would give more interest, also in the USA.

Critter Controls

Custom Vinyl Lettering and Electronics for Garden Railroading

www.gscalegraphics.net

Greg

yep, the gadget from G Scale Graphics looks a better option. The one I suggested comes from China and will take weeks to arrive with shipping charges to be added.

Peter Lucas
MyLocoSound

 

[yellow_cad]

This is what I found. I don't plan to change direction often and when I do with other locomotives, I have always been careful.

RioRand 6V 12V 24V 28V 3A 80W DC Motor Speed Controller PWM Speed Adjustable Reversible Switch 1203BB DC Motor Driver Reversing - - Amazon.com

RioRand 6V 12V 24V 28V 3A 80W DC Motor Speed Controller PWM Speed Adjustable Reversible Switch 1203BB DC Motor Driver Reversing - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Please let me know what anyone thinks of this one. The price is right; delivery is one week; it is reversible.

 

[Paul2727]

Please let me know what anyone thinks of this one. The price is right; delivery is one week; it is reversible.

I tried an identical unit when looking to add speed control to a Faller railcar. It worked Ok, but drained the batteries even in the off position. That was solved by installing an additional on / off switch between the controller and the battery pack. Best to test it out of the loco first as they can get quite hot. Also ensure the input voltage is connected using the correct polarity otherwise you'll fry the unit.
Paul.

 

[PhilP]

Paul, did yours have a switch combined with the speed control?

Take the 'one week' delivery with a pinch of salt.. Especially at the moment.
It could take longer.

PhilP

 

[Paul2727]

Paul, did yours have a switch combined with the speed control?

Take the 'one week' delivery with a pinch of salt.. Especially at the moment.
It could take longer.

PhilP

Yes. The dash pot (voltage control) had an off position and the directional rocker switch had a central off position too. However both of them appear to be on the motor side of the pcb which seemed to be drawing power when connected to the power even when both switches were in the off position. Hence why I fitted an on / off switch between the battery and the input connection of the pcb. Incidentally, the directional rocker switch plugs into the pcb with a 4 pin plug and can be replaced by jumpers if a change of direction is not required. The whole set up is designed for DC only. I've got a new on here someone, if I get time I'll find it and take some pics with a battery and multimeter connected.
Paul.
NB; Mine came from e-bay.

3A 6V 12V 24V PWM DC Motor Reversible Variable Switch Speed Controller Driver UK | eBay

It provides a continuous current of 3A to your DC motor or other DC load. Do not reverse positive and negative power loads. The LED indicates the power up and the speed of motor. The switch cable length 15cm.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Fred2179G]

Please let me know what anyone thinks of this one. The price is right; delivery is one week; it is reversible.

I have several locs with similar speed controls. I just added the one shown in PhilP's original post to a boxcab/critter. This is the underside of the removeable roof, and it has a Mylocosound card installed with speaker. In the center is the DPDT switch to reverse direction - it's hidden as a vent.