15 replies to this topic

[neophytte]

Greetings folks,

Some of our HO members are building upgraded (transistor powered) controllers, and I've been thinking of doing the same for a long time.

Although they are building the ones based on this design, I want to build the later model based on this design.

However I'm having trouble locating 10 Ohm, 2W potentiometers in Australia - I've found some in NZ, but they come to around $10 each, does anyone know a local source??

Thanks

Richard

[stoo23]

Hi, I doubt you will be able to get 2 Watt ones,..they will probably be 5 or 10 Watt.

I would guess, that RS components would have them.

Having Not read Both articles,..what are they For?

Dick Smith actually has Potentiometers suitable for Sensitivity and Brake pots.

[dangermouse]

Just read that thread - if I could make a controller for $20 I would be interested - I have 2 Parma controllers that need new resistors - happy to give that a go - let me know how you get on Richard then I can bother you when I have a go at making my own

cheers
DM

[neophytte]

Yep, RS have them ... at $40 each! DSE have them @ $9, but are out of stock ...

The one in NZ, I have to make a $50 order (pre shipping) before they will send them out to Australia, which makes it uneconomical ....

@DM, yep, they have made them for under $20 - I think Dave posted a rough guide on the pricing, but you can get the transistors (MJ11015) for around $5 a pair on the Bay ... but these are a darlington pair, according to the later version I posted, there is a small voltage drop which is improved, as well as a few other features. However I'm stopped on these damn pots

Cheers

Richard

[kalbfellp]

Farnell have them for $20.00

[neophytte]

Thanks Phil, still a bit more than I wanted to pay ... the first version of the controller is being upgraded for under $20; paying that same price for one component makes it look as though I'll go with the first design ...

Cheers

Richard

[Badbilly]

Hi Richard just in case you didnt see it when you checked the DSE website, they have listed the Morley WA store as having stock of the 3W10R pot. Product Code: R6903. I'd ring first to check tho.

Theres a place in sydney that may have them in stock, although it would cost around $15 by the time its posted to you. PM me if you want details.

I'm building the same controller as on the ABSlotsport site and while ive spent about $70 buying all the components, hardware and cable. If it works the way im expecting its much cheaper then buying a new adjustable electronic controller.

[kalbfellp]

Many of the components listed as in stock are no longer carried by the stores as they change direction into Appliance stores.

[FLY in the wall]

If someone will send me some specs and a PICTURE I will have a look here. I can walk to the electronics shop at lunchtime.

Edited by FLY in the wall, 26 July 2010 - 02:53 PM.

[neophytte]

FLY in the wall, on Jul 26 2010, 12:52 PM, said:

If someone will send me some specs and a PICTURE I will have a look here. I can walk to the electronics shop at lunchtime.

It looks like a standard pot:



This particular one is 3watts and 10 Ohms, single turn:

Uses 9mm diameter panel mounting holes. All pots include brass nuts and washers.
Type: Single gang LINEAR taper 3W 500V DC
Resistance: 10 Ohms

From the DSE site ... http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefro...duct/View/R6903

Thanks

Richard

[FLY in the wall]

I walked to the electronics shop today. Alas nothing without a "k" in the value.
If you are REALLY stuck, I would have to take a 1/2 day trip to the main electronics shop. If I can persuade the wife to take my DeWalt battery pack to be repaired she can ask at that time.

[Syd]

FLY in the wall, on Jul 30 2010, 02:09 PM, said:

I walked to the electronics shop today. Alas nothing without a "k" in the value.
If you are REALLY stuck, I would have to take a 1/2 day trip to the main electronics shop. If I can persuade the wife to take my DeWalt battery pack to be repaired she can ask at that time.

Make sure what you are buying is a wire wound potentiometer

[wizardgm]

neophytte, on Jul 25 2010, 11:56 AM, said:

Greetings folks,
Some of our HO members are building upgraded (transistor powered) controllers, and I've been thinking of doing the same for a long time.

Although they are building the ones based on this design, I want to build the later model based on this design.

However I'm having trouble locating 10 Ohm, 2W potentiometers in Australia - I've found some in NZ, but they come to around $10 each, does anyone know a local source??

Thanks
Richard

Hi Richard,
I am in the middle of making a variation on the JayGee controller, and I am using an 11 position switch with 11 x 1 oHm resistors on it as a 10 oHm pot.
Switch is from Dick Smith - about $3.50.

Down side (or upside, whichever way you look at it) is that there is ONLY 11 positions.

Regards,
Dennis

[kalbfellp]

I found the switch a better idea,as it can be tuned and the positions numbered so that your settings can easily be remembered for most cars.

[neophytte]

Hmmm, that's an interesting idea!!! I've already bought the majority of parts for the first (Chris Frost) controller, so I'll complete that build, but I'd be keen to hear how you go and the results you get from the JayGee controller ...

Cheers

Richard

[Bill]

Hi Richard, I had those features on my track, rotary switch with 11 resistors to controll the power to each lane , so i could turn the power right down for the grand kids. I have just pulled it all off and rewired the track.
Cheers Bill