Bridgewerks

You are right about  them being used for G scale. I just bought one at the G scale show at York. They are the best DC transformers and built in usa. The company has been sold. They are more than a one person show. The new owner had something to do with developing blue tooth. I am very happy with mine. John

I have a couple of them. Built solid and great power. Highly recommended by a ton of guys. They are used in G because of the need for more clean power.

look near the bottom of this post for mine

https://ogrforum.com/topic/tiu-dc-variable-ch

We use them on our layout.  http://www.ps3youtube.com/v/fr...o-ride-5-1HJy46HLd6k

We've had a few small problems (at least one was self induced)but they've been great to work with.  When we had to have repairs done it was either done with the warranty or very reasonable rates.  It was also done quickly.

Jay

Keep in mind that these units can put out 24V so I'd recommend a little supervision if you have kids otherwise you'll delight in seeing your Sofue Big Boy attempting to challenge the French TGV speed record.  There is a mechanical slide alongside the throttle that you can adjust to set your own voltage limits but it can be easily overridden if the throttle is pushed against it.  I had two of these units (10A, 20A) and loved how they could easily handle double-headed KTM steam with open-frame motors or Key late run ABA E units whose 20-plus bulbs per unit use far more current than the motor.  I agree with the positive comments of the previous posters.  BTW, I traded my 20A unit with Dans trains, assuming he still has it you may be able to get a good deal on it.  Good luck!

Christopher,

I can't speak to your system but ours has a device (from the factory) that allows us to set the maximum voltage and lock it in place.  Because we use the wireless system all the components are hidden behind a hinged panel.  The only way to screw with it would be if we allowed it.....we don't.  Somebody caught doing it would be escorted out with extreme prejudice.

Jay

Jay, 

The device from the factory that I believe you are referring to is the same one that I bought from Dave at Bridgewerks too.  The device consists of a small black box with four plugs that go directly into the back of the unit.  The user end consists of a small key fob with antenna that has several buttons to control speed and braking.  The device I had would only let you run in whatever direction that the home unit was set to.  In other words, it did not offer the flexibility to switch direction remotely.  Also, because G scale is apparently set up for 24v operation, the speed increments were not subtle enough (at least for my enjoyment) when applied to a 12v system.  Again, you can tighten the mechanical screw on the limiting device next to the throttle but if you're using the throttle on the unit it doesn't take much to push it past whatever limit is set.  BTW, assuming you have the same wireless system as I do, how do you reverse direction without touching the base unit?  If you're able to reverse direction remotely then perhaps Bridgewerks came out with an updated model. 

Chris

Jay C-Can you describe the problems that you had, and how they were resolved?

Christopher-Why did you sell yours?

Just trying to button up the last bits of info before I proceed. Thanks to all.

Hi Hudson!

I was in the process of building a layout (see avatar) when someone came along and made an offer on my home that I couldn't refuse.  While I was nowhere near being done, I had enough so I could run a twelve-car passenger or a forty car coal train around a racetrack pattern.  After two or three times around I would usually get bored and park it.  In my new home I'm really only interested in occasionally running something on my new 14' test track using my single-throttle 10a model and have no interest in building another layout.  The Bridgewerks transformer I sold was the 20a dual-throttle with analog gauges, slight overkill for my needs.  I have no complaints concerning Bridgewerks products other than wishing for a wireless remote that can operate both directions remotely but perhaps someone else can better address that.  Bridgewerks DC power supplies fill a serious gap in our hobby.  

Chris

Please forgive my probable curt reply.  I screwed up my back again and it's difficult to sit down to type right now.  My focus isn't what it should be.

I don't remember which controller we're using but it's never been a problem so I'll move on.  We use two UR15 remotes and I think one of them had a problem early on.  Dave fixed it quickly.  I let the smoke out of one about a year ago when I connected it to the controller incorrectly.  Again, Dave fixed it quickly and was very reasonable in what he charged to fix it.

The handheld controllers (I call them garage door openers) have given us a little trouble.  To be clear these control speed, direction and have an emergency stop function.  The buttons press against miniature switches when pressed.  The switches are spring loaded and we had two of the accelerate switches (green button) fail when the spring action broke.  The biggest problem with the accelerate button failing was the locomotive just took off on it's own.  The first time we sent the garage door opener back and Dave fixed it.  The second time I bought a pack of replacement switches and did the repair/replacement myself.  That's when I blew up the UR15 Remote because I plugged it back in incorrectly.  This is what the UR15 looks like, http://www.bridgewerks.com/#!ur15-remote/czdv

Just to be safe we ordered extra sets of the garage door openers.

It takes getting used to using these controllers but the system works fine.

Hope this helps.  My back is killing me.....I'm done,

Jay

There's also the GML wireless/wired throttle system.  Might give it a look.  I like it equally as well as my Bridgewerks for different reasons. 

http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/