N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Dr Gee on April 05, 2026, 12:52:48 PM

Title: Old Controller terminals
Post by: Dr Gee on April 05, 2026, 12:52:48 PM
Hi everyone. In an eBay job lot of N gauge track was included a TRIX vario-controller. It seems to be working but I don't know the terminal outputs. There are 4.red black blue and white. Anyone help with which is what?
Title: Re: Old Controller terminals
Post by: EtchedPixels on April 05, 2026, 01:11:42 PM
Use a voltmeter. One pair is 13-16v AC for accessories, the other is 0-12v DC controlled by the knob for the track power.

Trix conventionally used blue/red for track and black/white for AC.

Given the age of most TRIX vario controllers I'd also consider whether it's best kept as an exhibit as it's unlikely to meet modern safety standards, and given it's age really ought to be properly inspected and tested before use at all.

Title: Re: Old Controller terminals
Post by: JanW on April 05, 2026, 03:07:58 PM
It probably has a loco moulded in the housing near the track output and a turnout near the accessory output.
Title: Re: Old Controller terminals
Post by: ntpntpntp on April 05, 2026, 04:48:36 PM
There should be symbols for track and points (accessories) on the back, and AC / DC symbols.

Blue and Red for track outputs (DC), black and white for accessories (AC).   ** get it professionally safety tested before using it.

(https://img.ricardostatic.ch/images/bd42ca6b-293f-4049-b098-67e030414be6/t_1800x1350/trix-transformator-65508-vario-feinregelung-top-zustand)
Title: Re: Old Controller terminals
Post by: Dr Gee on April 05, 2026, 07:18:15 PM
Quote from: EtchedPixels on Today at 01:11:42 PMUse a voltmeter. One pair is 13-16v AC for accessories, the other is 0-12v DC controlled by the knob for the track power.

Trix conventionally used blue/red for track and black/white for AC.

Given the age of most TRIX vario controllers I'd also consider whether it's best kept as an exhibit as it's unlikely to meet modern safety standards, and given it's age really ought to be properly inspected and tested before use at all.

Thank you for this reply. I agree about the testing. I was just curious. I'm am brand new to the hobby but have a background in electronics as a radio ham. I had tested the outputs with a meter and couldn't determine exact info presumably because of its age etc. thanks for getting back. Really appreciated