FR-1

The Low Speed Controller FR-1

This controller is using the well known PWM principle as well as many other controllers do. It is a combination of circuits, such as PWM (not using ‘sharp’ pulses) and for example, short circuit treatment. The maximum track voltage (Z-scale) is set to 8 V. I have made a 15 days test within I run a GP35 ten hours a day with a middle speed. The loco did not went warm at any time and works until now in the brilliant way as it did the first time! Please notice: My tests will not override any warning of any manufacturer using pulse-power!

With a small modification the controller is also usable for N-scale locos (and of course for TT- and H0-scale). The maximum track voltage (N) then is 12V. To use the full voltage, you have to use a power supply, which is at least two volts above the max. voltage to the track.You can use any supply, AC or DC, don’t care about the polarity. For Z-scale 12V AC and a minimum at 700mA is the best choice. The controller allows a power consumption of at least 650mA, enough for three Marklin^TM three- or five-pole motors. The number increases if you use MTL^TM or AZL^TM locos, because of there lower power consumption. There is enough power to run a triple loco traction with more than 15 passenger cars, including interior lights (also available at the website......).

If there is a short on the track the red LED (upper right) will light. You are able to make an emergency stop by pressing the red button below the red LED. This will shut down the track-circuit slowly in about one second. Using a slow emergency break will prevent long trains from derailing instead making a full stop. By pressing the red button again, the track is being reconnected to the controller, in the same slow way as it was disconnected.
If the short will cause a power consumption above 650mA the circuit will be disconnected after about 10 seconds by an automatic resetting, electronic fuse. A blinking red LED in the middle of the controllers indicates disconnecting by fuse.

The upper left side of the controller is for a separate mode. I call it the switching mode. This mode is activated (and deactivated) by pressing the black button. A yellow LED displays the activation. With the separate throttle control the maximum speed (for switching mode) is preset. With the main throttle you now control the speed in the range, which was preset by the separate throttle control. In this mode you can run your locos in an ultra slow mode!
The main speed throttle sets speed to zero in its middle position. By turning the throttle left or right the loco will move in the direction you chose. The direction is also indicated by yellow LEDs. .

Passing the zero-position will not switch the direction at once. It takes about one second for changing the direction. There is no separate switch to change the direction and risking a full stop and/or a reverse at maximum speed (this would seriously damage motor and gears).

The third throttle is to preset acceleration and braking. With the maximum preset it will take more than one minute until the train reaches maximum speed or stop. This will enable a real simulation of heavy trains.

And at least, the green LED indicates the presence of the power supply.

The controller is now available in the online shop.

For further details feel free to contact me at info@passmann.com. I will answer you as soon as possible (and the translation is made).


	Update: 29. Mai 2009 (c) passmann.com. All rights reserved! Alle auf dieser Internetseite genannten Markennamen und -zeichen sind Eigentum der jeweiligen Inhaber!