Chris,
The output of a basic controller is probably unsmoothed. All you need to do is to get a 1000 to 4700 microfarad condenser (capacitor) - an electrolytic rated at 25 volt will do. Connect this across the controller output (observe the correct polarity +ve to +ve, -ve to -ve) and this will considerably smooth the output for the flickering fire effect.
Using the unsmoothed output probably will not harm the flicker effect unit, but may stop it from working properly. In the long-term a small stabilised power supply working off the 16 Volt AC auxilary supply of a controller may be better. Look out for books such as 'Model Railway Electronics' by Roger Amos or 'Wiring the Layout' by Jeff Geary; both of these give circuits for small power supplies.
Regards,
John Webb
The output of a basic controller is probably unsmoothed. All you need to do is to get a 1000 to 4700 microfarad condenser (capacitor) - an electrolytic rated at 25 volt will do. Connect this across the controller output (observe the correct polarity +ve to +ve, -ve to -ve) and this will considerably smooth the output for the flickering fire effect.
Using the unsmoothed output probably will not harm the flicker effect unit, but may stop it from working properly. In the long-term a small stabilised power supply working off the 16 Volt AC auxilary supply of a controller may be better. Look out for books such as 'Model Railway Electronics' by Roger Amos or 'Wiring the Layout' by Jeff Geary; both of these give circuits for small power supplies.
Regards,
John Webb