Is there a "tether" controler for conventional control?

Rick, if I'm understanding you correctly, you're looking for a remote for a conventional setup.  I recently picked up what I needed for a variable-voltage command setup after watching two of Mike Reagan's videos on the Lionel site--“Powermaster Instructional Video” and “Track Power Options for TMCC & LEGACY”.  I recommend those, as they clarified quite a few things for me.

I purchased (all used) a CAB-1 (6-12828), a Powermaster (6-12867), and a Powerhouse (6-12866).  That's it--it was less than $125 for everything, and I can manage throttle and horn for all my PW/MPC locomotives.  You can substitute any transformer for the Powerhouse, of course.

I use it for a temporary carpet layout... the kids love running it, and I love that I can run anything on it.  I'll leave the 18V advanced stuff (Legacy, Odyssey, etc...) to others, but I'm a recently-converted believer to the benefits of basic command control in a conventional setup.

If this isn't what you meant, please disregard! LOL

MTH used to include a remote in older railking sets that control track power.Item # 50-1012 that you may be able to find. I have one that i use on the Christmas layout and it works pretty well

The MTH RailKing remote, in addition to the Z4K remote, aren't "tethered" remotes as the original poster was inquiring about.

The only remote in O gauge that I'm aware of that is "tetherable" is the MTH DCS system as the remote and the TIU have 4p4C (RJ-11 phone style) plugs that allow you to tether the DCS remote and TIU together.

Other than that, MRC and other manufacturers make DCC-controllers that are tethered (or both like the DCS system), but those are predominantly in use in the smaller scales such as HO and N.

jonmuse,

Please confirm that it will control train speed. Am I correct to assume one connects the power source to the lock-on and that in turn controls the power to the track via the remote?

This sounds better then the tether idea!

Thanks,

Rick.

Rick you are correct. It adjusts the power to the track via the lock on so it adjusts the speed nicely. One cautionary note though is that the lock on itself is a little large and needs to be placed in an unobstructed area. If you try to stash it behind a building or in a tunnel you'll have issues. The remote signal isn't as powerful as TMCC or DCS users are accustomed to

I should also note that the lock on is designed to work specifically with MTH realtrack. It can probably be modified for other track systems but I have never tried

Thanks jonmuse,

Also, will I need a section of MTH Realtrax for the lock-on? Or is it Scaletrax?

Many Thanks,

Rick.

Rick,

Just to be clear, you're asking about a conventional remote being available and it doesn't actually matter if it's a tethered or pure wireless remote, correct?

"Just to be clear, you're asking about a conventional remote being available and it doesn't actually matter if it's a tethered or pure wireless remote, correct?"

Yes Sir, that is correct.

Rick.

Okay got it.

In addition to what jonmuse said, another other option for conventional remote control is the Z4K remote & receiver I mentioned previously, although it does require the Z-4000 transformer to work.  Do you have a Z-4000?

No Z4000...

I searched eBay and the Z750 with remote and lock-on are very reasonable price wise.

Hummmm......

Rick.

Keep in mind though that these use infrared as a form of wireless, so they are a line-of-sight communication between the remote and receiver.  So when you want to control your train, you want to make sure you're pointing the remote towards the receiver, which kind of goes against natural instincts to point it directly at the train itself.  Command control systems like Legacy/TMCC and DCS (in addition to the Z4K remote) are not as persnickety about this though since they use radio signals and not infrared.

Another idea I've had:

Open a Z750 or Z1000.  remove the "potentiometer" and put a 3 wire jack in its place.  Plug in a three wire plug and mount the "pot" in a small plastic box attached to the wire.

Ed

All good information Gentlemen, Many Thanks.

Rick.

Then there's the old school Lionel Audio Engineer

MRC used to make O gauge transformers with tethered remotes. Search ebay and you might find one.

I have a MRC Dual Power and would not recommend it.  The starting voltage is somewhat high and I find the throttle response to be inconsistent with input.  I have had several instances of runaways for no apparent reason.  This transformer now is used as a fixed voltage output for older TMCC controls.  You can pick up this needed equipment used, generally in good condition for not too much money.  Then you can use a CAB-1 to run your conventional stuff.  

Rick,

http://www.trainworldonline.co...70-Watts-of-AC-Power

Phil

All Trol use to make a great small wired hand control.

John Korling --

Do you know if it is possible to have more than one CAB-1 in the same area? I plan to have two separate loops running on separate controls.

Thanks!

I have an MRC Dual Power transformer like the one linked to by Phil.  Bought it from Trainworld fairly recently to control the two circles of track on my small year-round Christmas layout (I operate two tinplate O trains on this layout).  Works just fine for me.  I can lay back on the sofa in my living room and control each circle of track independently with the tethered remote.  Sometimes it's fun just watching the trains go round and round.

I'd look on the auction sites or put an add in the OGR wanted section for the above mentioned Al Trol. State of the art in it's day. Can easily be held in one hand as it was the size of a cigarette pack and it is tethered. You could un plug it and move further down the layout as it had a memory feature and extra boxes and cables were available Perfect for a small as switching layout. From what I remember it did have an issue with Proto 1 engines but there was a workaround. Certainly theirs a few of these lying around not being used by someone that's been doing 3 rail from years ago.

As many CAB-1 units as you desire.  Each one can control any of the PM-1 Powermasters by addressing them individually.  For conventional control as you desire, each loop or power district will require 1 PM-1 Powermaster.

ADCX Rob --

Thanks! That helps a lot. Not something I wanted to invest in until I was sure it would work.