Welcome to the Power Scaler web page. This page provides information about the Andromeda Research Power Scaler, a product designed specifically for model railroaders who wish to improve the speed control and performance their power packs.
WHAT DOES THE POWER SCALER DO?
The Power Scaler works like an
electronic transmission by adding 8 full
scale throttle speed ranges to your power pack. It's like having
eight individual power packs each with a different full scale
range. A typical power pack has a single throttle range. You must
use this single range for every locomotive you have regardless of
it's size. This means that for small switch engines you are
forced to use only the lower range of the throttle while for
larger locomotives you may be able to use more of the throttles
range. With the Power Scaler you can now DOWN SHIFT
or UP SHIFT the entire range of you power pack's
throttle. This means that if you are operating a switcher, you
just DOWN SHIFT and now you can use the full
throttle arc for smooth control of the switchers speed. For road
diesels you just UP SHIFT for realistic mainline
operation. Regardless of which locomotive you are using, the
Power Scaler lets you choose the most
realistic full range throttle arc and still maintain a
reasonable, realistic speed. No longer will you be limited to
using only the low end of your power pack's throttle range. The
Power Scaler is fully compatible with all power packs, both DC
and Pulse, and will not interfere with features such as
DIRECTION, BRAKING and MOMENTUM.
A MUST FOR N AND Z SCALE - ALSO COMPATIBLE WITH HO
The Power Scaler, although designed for N and Z scales, is also fully compatible with HO. As most N and Z Scale model railroaders know, a typical power pack is designed to operate many different model scales. HO scale is the most popular, and therefore offers the largest market for power pack manufacturers. Since HO is the largest market, a typical power pack is optimized for the motors used in HO locomotives, but can also supply the larger voltages needed for scales bigger than HO. This means that an N or Z Scale locomotive, with it's small motor, reaches a maximum, realistic speed in the early part of the throttles arc. This characteristic limits the usable throttle range for road engines and makes precision yard work with switchers a challenge.
In prototype locomotives the throttle speed range is different for each engine. A road diesel is designed for medium to high speed operation and it's throttle provides a corresponding range. A yard switcher has a lower maximum speed and therefore the throttle speed control is more precise. Both types of locomotives, however, still have throttles. Since you operate different locomotives on your layout, and your power pack has one throttle range, it's up to you to compensate for the different speed characteristics of each engine. If your an N or Z Scale operator, this forces you to unrealistically compress the throttle movement, leaving most of your power packs range unused as you operate your layout. If your scale is HO, you may still have switch engines that only operate realistically in the lower throttle range. The Power Scaler is designed to work with your power pack and allows you to redefine the full scale output range. With the Power Scaler, you choose the throttle range which gives the most realistic speed for your locomotive. No longer are you limited to the compressed arc of a single throttle range. With the Power Scaler, you can now realistically accelerate your N and Z Scale locomotives using the full arc of your power pack's throttle.
The Power Scaler
uses a precision electronic circuit to redefine the full scale
output voltage of your power pack based on the setting of the
POWER LEVEL control. A typical power pack has a full scale output
voltage of between 15 and 20 volts. This means that with the
throttle fully counter clockwise, the voltage applied to the
tracks is 0. As the throttle is rotated clockwise, the track
voltage increases with each degree of rotation until the maximum
voltage is reached. If you are using an N-Scale locomotive, the
motor usually reaches it's maximum speed in the first third of
the throttles arc. This is somewhere between 6 and 8 volts. In
order to use the full arc of the power packs throttle for this
locomotive, the power pack would need to have a maximum output
voltage of 6 to 8 volts at full throttle. This is what the Power
Scaler does. It's internal circuitry redefines the full scale
voltage applied to the tracks by reducing the voltage without
limiting the current available to the locomotive. The POWER LEVEL
selector allows you to choose from eight different full scale
voltage ranges which are then applied to your track.
REDUCES MOTOR
HEATING AND STRESS
- Since the Power Scaler
allows your locomotives to operate realistically at lower
voltages, it reduces the heat and stress which naturally occur
during operation. This will result in longer brush and motor life
plus it allows pulse-type power packs to be used safely with
N-Scale and smaller locomotives.
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
The Power Scaler has one control and two indicators. The only control on the Power Scaler is the POWER LEVEL selector. This is an 8 position switch which redefines your throttles full scale range. The selector has 8 settings. The lowest setting (MIN) provides the greatest precision and low speed control. There are six intermediate settings, each providing more power and therefore more speed. The highest setting is MAX. At this setting the Power Scaler is set to pass the output of your power pack directly to the tracks. The two indicators on the Power Scaler are TRACK POWER and OVERLOAD. The TRACK POWER indicator is a green led which directly shows the power level applied to the tracks. The intensity of the indicator will vary as you vary your throttle or the POWER LEVEL control. The OVERLOAD indicator (red led) will light if the Power Scaler is supplying excessive current to the tracks which would otherwise damage the internal circuit.
CONNECTING THE POWER SCALER TO YOUR LAYOUT
The Power Scaler is easy to install and connects between your power pack and your layout. You simply connect the output from your power pack to the input terminals of the Power Scaler. Then connect the output from the Power Scaler to your tracks.
MOUNTING THE POWER SCALER
The Power Scaler is designed to accomodate nearly any mounting arrangement. The enclosure can be surface or insert mounted either vertically or horizontally. The enclosure has an integral mounting base with holes which eliminates the need to open the enclosure for mounting. To surface mount the Power Scaler you may drill two holes and attach the enclosure with screws or use double sided adhesive tape. If you choose, you may also mount the Power Scaler directly to your power pack. Since most power packs have a flat area at the top or a sloped console, the Power Scaler can be attached to either of these surfaces. Attaching the Power Scaler to your power pack makes operation extremely convenient.
You may
order it factory direct by calling (513) 831-9708
or by FAX at (513) 831-7562. If you choose you
may also order via mail by sending a check or money order to:
Andromeda Research / P.O. Box 222 / Milford, Ohio 45150.
PRICE - The price for the Power Scaler is $69.00 plus $9.00 shipping and handling.
PAYMENT - We accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express - We can also ship C.O.D. ($7.00 COD FEE)
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS - If you have any questions about the Power Scaler, please call, write or email arlabs@fuse.net.We will be happy to talk with you about the product and answer any questions you may have.
DEALERS - If you are interested in carrying the Power Scaler and would like more information please don't hesitate to write, call or fax.
POWER SCALING CIRCUIT - SOLID STATE BIDIRECTIONAL WITH OVER CURRENT PROTECTION
OVERLOAD DETECTION CIRCUIT - SOLID STATE, THERMAL (500MA CAPACITY)
INDICATORS - TRACK POWER LEVEL (GREEN) AND OVERLOAD (RED)
POWER LEVELS - EIGHT RANGE SETTINGS (MIN,1,2,3,4,5,6,MAX) MAX IS PASS-THROUGH (POWER SCALER NOT IN CIRCUIT)
SIZE - 2" X 3"
ENCLOSURE - ABS PLASTIC WITH INTEGRAL MOUNTNG BASE
CONNECTORS - PAN HEAD SCREW TERMINALS (2 INPUT / 2 OUTPUT)
