Handheld DC Analog Controller Options

[Guilford Railman]

Are there any handheld DC analog controllers available on the market?

My shelf layout is DC and I’ve been using a RailPower controller but I’d like to use a handheld one if they’re available.

I’ve done a little research but haven’t come up with anything suitable.

 

[bnsf971]

Aristocraft used to sell a DC wireless system. I don’t know if they still make it, or even if they’re still in business.

I guess Google is watching. I just went to Feebay, and everything on the home page was things like this:

MRC CONTROL MASTER 20 HO N G Scale Trains Controller POWER CENTER w/Remote | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MRC CONTROL MASTER 20 HO N G Scale Trains Controller POWER CENTER w/Remote at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Guilford Railman]

Aristocraft used to sell a DC wireless system. I don’t know if they still make it, or even if they’re still in business.

I guess Google is watching. I just went to Feebay, and everything on the home page was things like this:

MRC CONTROL MASTER 20 HO N G Scale Trains Controller POWER CENTER w/Remote | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MRC CONTROL MASTER 20 HO N G Scale Trains Controller POWER CENTER w/Remote at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I’ll do some research on them. Thanks for the info and the link!

 

[logandsawman]

There is the GML model train controller. This is a simple DC controller which utilizes a hand held throttle and plugs into sockets you Install in your fascia. The accompanying cord is 10' long, allowing freedom of movement. There are brake, directional, and momentum functions as well as the throttle on the controller, and it is equipped with a memory.

I have a video showing the operation and installation, it is on YouTube, called "GML Model train controller ".

I could not find their website but when I Google it several things come up.

Dave LASM

 

[Mixed Freight]

There is the GML model train controller. This is a simple DC controller which utilizes a hand held throttle and plugs into sockets you Install in your fascia. The accompanying cord is 10' long, allowing freedom of movement. There are brake, directional, and momentum functions as well as the throttle on the controller, and it is equipped with a memory.

I have a video showing the operation and installation, it is on YouTube, called "GML Model train controller ".

I could not find their website but when I Google it several things come up.

Dave LASM

I have some GML throttles. I agree, they are really nice throttles. Unfortunately, the gentleman that used to make these throttles passed away a few years ago, so his product is no longer available as far as I know. About the only way to get them now would be on the used market. To be right honest, I don't recall ever seeing any used ones at model train shows. I don't E-bay, so don't know if any ever show up there, either.

 

[Guilford Railman]

There is the GML model train controller. This is a simple DC controller which utilizes a hand held throttle and plugs into sockets you Install in your fascia. The accompanying cord is 10' long, allowing freedom of movement. There are brake, directional, and momentum functions as well as the throttle on the controller, and it is equipped with a memory.

I have a video showing the operation and installation, it is on YouTube, called "GML Model train controller ".

I could not find their website but when I Google it several things come up.

Dave LASM

I will see what I can find on this. Thanks!

 

[Guilford Railman]

I have some GML throttles. I agree, they are really nice throttles. Unfortunately, the gentleman that used to make these throttles passed away a few years ago, so his product is no longer available as far as I know. About the only way to get them now would be on the used market. To be right honest, I don't recall ever seeing any used ones at model train shows. I don't E-bay, so don't know if any ever show up there, either.

Well that’s unfortunate! I will have to see what’s on eBay and maybe I’ll find one

 

[William Burg]

The MRC Control Master 20 is a very robust DC power supply and throttle, used one for years on my around-the-room shelf layout until I went DCC and still keep it "just in case." Momentum and a nice handheld throttle (on a cord tether) that makes following the action on a shelf layout very easy. I also found an LSC DC throttle with remote plugs for multiple cab control (for layouts too big for a single tethered throttle to reach everywhere) that was supposedly the Cadillac of its day (for those who aren't old enough to recognize the name, think "the Lexus of its day.") Occasionally you can find these things used, but they are subject to things like capacitors going bad over time.

 

[AuburnCentral]

I also have a control master 20 and like it a lot

 

[jmupton2000]

Not sure if it is available in the US (or something equivilent) but here in the UK I use one of these:

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/gaugemaster-infinity

It is Bluetooth wireless, comes in a DC version which is what I use (as well as the DCC version) and although it cost me a bundle, it was worth it and probably will be the last controller I will ever need.

 

[logandsawman]

The MRC Control Master 20 is a very robust DC power supply and throttle, used one for years on my around-the-room shelf layout until I went DCC and still keep it "just in case." Momentum and a nice handheld throttle (on a cord tether) that makes following the action on a shelf layout very easy. I also found an LSC DC throttle with remote plugs for multiple cab control (for layouts too big for a single tethered throttle to reach everywhere) that was supposedly the Cadillac of its day (for those who aren't old enough to recognize the name, think "the Lexus of its day.") Occasionally you can find these things used, but they are subject to things like capacitors going bad over time.

My components are similar but not exactly the same. By some stroke of genius, I purchased two complete sets and extra jacks.

A couple years ago I dropped a controller and it ceased to function. Then, I made the major blunder of bypassing the fuse, burned something out in the master circuit board, so I hooked up my spare. Lesson learned.

Unfortunately, no more room for errors.

 

[Guilford Railman]

The MRC Control Master 20 is a very robust DC power supply and throttle, used one for years on my around-the-room shelf layout until I went DCC and still keep it "just in case." Momentum and a nice handheld throttle (on a cord tether) that makes following the action on a shelf layout very easy. I also found an LSC DC throttle with remote plugs for multiple cab control (for layouts too big for a single tethered throttle to reach everywhere) that was supposedly the Cadillac of its day (for those who aren't old enough to recognize the name, think "the Lexus of its day.") Occasionally you can find these things used, but they are subject to things like capacitors going bad over time.

Are the capacitors easily replaceable?

 

[Guilford Railman]

Not sure if it is available in the US (or something equivilent) but here in the UK I use one of these:

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/gaugemaster-infinity

It is Bluetooth wireless, comes in a DC version which is what I use (as well as the DCC version) and although it cost me a bundle, it was worth it and probably will be the last controller I will ever need.

I’ve been researching the gauge master controllers. They seem like a good fit but I’d have to get an adapter for use in the states. That wouldn’t be an issue I don’t think. I am also unsure if I could order one from the UK given the current political situation but I will definitely look into it.

 

[Guilford Railman]

My components are similar but not exactly the same. By some stroke of genius, I purchased two complete sets and extra jacks.

A couple years ago I dropped a controller and it ceased to function. Then, I made the major blunder of bypassing the fuse, burned something out in the master circuit board, so I hooked up my spare. Lesson learned.

Unfortunately, no more room for errors.

Definitely good that you had two units!

 

[William Burg]

Are the capacitors easily replaceable?

If you're knowledgeable about electronics, I'd say so, but typically they're power supply capacitors, which means potential for electric shock and special sparks if things get installed the wrong way. I can only identify the right end of the soldering iron to melt solder with with 2 times out of 3, so I steer clear of such repairs.

 

[Guilford Railman]

If you're knowledgeable about electronics, I'd say so, but typically they're power supply capacitors, which means potential for electric shock and special sparks if things get installed the wrong way. I can only identify the right end of the soldering iron to melt solder with with 2 times out of 3, so I steer clear of such repairs.

I am considered an amateur in that department so I guess that project is not for me haha, at least not yet.