Friends,
I am confused again, I have just purchased a new locomotive (Dapol "William Shakespeare") and I am in the process of mounting my controller a (KPC or Kent Panel Controller) into a sloping desktop.

My questions are these:-

I have read and mis-understood much about feedback and it's effects on "Can" motors and possibly new versions of drive motors. 

I have, after consultation here before, cut the cable that activates the feedback "ON" switch on my KPC.

How do I, or anyone else new to the obsession, differentiate between safe and non-safe motors upon which to use it?

Am I likely to damage my new locomotive motor?

Apologies if this is the wrong section but I thought it might BE a "General Discussion"!

Regards Peter.

You need a feedback controller which is designed for small and coreless motors.

Ask the manufacturer. If they are any good they'll know which are suitable. Some of the modern designs are intended to support various types of motors and sense the type involved.

Alan

I'm afraid this thread is discussing something I don't know anything about

Is it a particular concern that those (maybe) going over to DCC need to be aware of?

Would some kind soul please explain, in simple terms, what is a feedback controller and why one could be required.

Dave G

Quote from: daveg on April 09, 2013, 07:19:21 AM
I'm afraid this thread is discussing something I don't know anything about

Is it a particular concern that those (maybe) going over to DCC need to be aware of?

Would some kind soul please explain, in simple terms, what is a feedback controller and why one could be required.

Dave G

Dave,

Thankyou for the comment, it makes this thread into a discussion rather than straightforward instructions!

In my limited knowledge I think that this type of controller is not for DCC only DC operation?

As I understand it, and I am probably wrong, a "feedback" controller allows for the realistic start/stop of the locomotive?

As I stated my knowledge is limited and like the saying "A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing!"

It is always heartening to know that there are others in the same boat!

I hope Sevenoaks is reasonably comfortable, Knole Park used to be a childhood pleasure trip!

Regards Peter.

Quote from: EtchedPixels on April 08, 2013, 10:18:51 PM
You need a feedback controller which is designed for small and coreless motors.

Ask the manufacturer. If they are any good they'll know which are suitable. Some of the modern designs are intended to support various types of motors and sense the type involved.

Alan

Alan, many thanks.

I have preempted your comment and contacted Dapol Dave in the hope that he can clarify.

regards Peter.

Thanks Peter & Alan

I did a quick Google and found several references to the device that seems not to be recommended for N gauge motors. Of course I bow to those with much greater knowledge and would be happy to learn more but am baffled by techno jargon!

I run DC using a Gaugemaster D that allows quite good slow running although there is a lack of smoothness with some steam models. I've been assuming that is just the nature of the best rather than unstable power to the tracks.

Dave G

I was thinking the controller manufacturer

With DCC the same in theory applies between decoder and motor but for several reasons any vaguely modern decoder should be just fine. Picking the right decoder and settings can really bring out the best in such motors if you are a controllability freak

Quote from: EtchedPixels on April 09, 2013, 09:01:25 AM
I was thinking the controller manufacturer.

Unfortunately the company died with the death of the constructor!

regards, Peter.

My thanks to all for their input!

I have taken the decision to stop fiddle arsing around with my old KPC and I have ordered a Gaugemaster 100 Panel control instead.

I just couldn't stand the uncertainty!

Regards, Peter.