Hi Alan & a warm welcome to MRF.

I would avoid the use of any feedback/PWM type controller on "Z" - the tiny mootors will tend to run hot & may lead to an early demise.

Check out ;

http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index...ic=6779&hl=

Send Chris a PM & ask for his views on controllers. The one on the link you provided is battery powered & I've never heard of them before. Gaugemaster (www.gaugemaster.com) do some Z gauge controllers but they are expensive, although you do get a lifetime warranty with the.

Please let us know how you get on.

 

Hello Alan and welcome to this forum, and to the Mighty World Of Z Scale!

The ZTrack battery controllers have been around for a number of years, but under another name (which I forget). They were/are highly spoken of on at least the Z Central Station forum, and perhaps others.

 

*** PWM means pulse width modulation. It can be superb with tiny motors but only if it is designed for them. For example all DCC decoders use PWM and give exceptional motor control in all motor types however it is at a high frequency which is safe for all motor types.

Coarse PWM is a lot more primitive, relys on mains frequency as its baseline timer and is generally whats seen in some DC controllers. OK for clunky Lima and tender drive hornby but not for better quality motors. It can as Brian said heat some motor types.

Higher frequency PWM needs a more sophisticated circuitry which is why things like the Gaugemaster Z scale controller are more expensive.

SO... PWM will definately work but ONLY if its designed for the models you are running. As recommended talk to other Z scale modellers and gain from their experience.

Regards

Richard

 

If you have the dexterity of a neurosurgeon and the eyesight of a hawk then DCC is an option.
When I had my Z layout I found the Marklin mains controller to be more than adequate

 

QUOTE (Essex2Visuvesi @ 10 Feb 2013, 18:11) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>If you have the dexterity of a neurosurgeon and the eyesight of a hawk then DCC is an option.
When I had my Z layout I found the Marklin mains controller to be more than adequate

True enough, but you do need to keep the rails and wheels clean to get the best possible contact.

 

Thanks for all your replies gents,

so is this right the gaugemaster controller is actually using PWM already? is so I may just get one.

I would love to share some pictures of the layout I have just bought, However I dont seem to be given the authority to post any pictures?
feeling like a schoolboy again, Im not allowed!

 

quickest solution is to use a photo site like photobucket and link to the photos

Or if you email me the photos I'll post them for you.

drop me a PM if you are interested

 

Many thanks to Gary for helping me with the pics.

Here they are: also posted on layout page.