Information on our constant lighting products for LGB G scale passenger cars and cabooses is contained on this page.
Information on our computer automation products is contained on this page.
You can order products directly from TracTronics by sending us a check for the total list price of products ordered, together with $7 shipping and handling in the US. You must also include 6.75% sales tax if ordering for shipment within Illinois. For shipment outside the US, call, write or email us for details.
TracTronics Incorporated
1212 South Naper Boulevard
Suite 119, PMB 288
Naperville, IL 60540
630-527-0000
email: rich@tractronics.com
Each SwitchWitch uses only 20 mA while recharging, and only 7 mA are required to actuate the unit. These low currents preserve pushbutton contacts and allow telephone hook-up wire and a small power supply, or even batteries, to be used to drive the circuit. Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams for use of the circuit and for constructing a power supply from Radio Shack parts.
SwitchLock allows stall motor switch machines to be controlled from multiple locations using momentary pushbuttons or diode matrix circuits. The unit comes complete with connectors and mounting hardware. Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams for using the circuit and for constructing a power supply from Radio Shack parts.
The unique design of SwitchMap allows multiple small matrices to be constructed on one board, and also allows multiple SwitchMaps to be combined to accomodate a very large matrix. SwitchMap interfaces to SwitchWitch and SwitchLock to provide diode matrix routing for both twin-coil and stall motor switch machines from the same matrix, and interfaces to BlockLock to provide prototype operation of interlocking signal plants.
SwitchMap comes complete with connectors and mounting hardware. Complete instructions include a discussion of diode matrix routing, instructions for designing and assembling the user's diode matrix, forms for documenting the user's diode matrix, and examples of diode matrix designs for specific applications. The diodes required to build the matrix are commonly available, and are also available from TracTronics as No. 6A. Additional connectors for assembling multiple diode matrices on one SwitchMap board are available from TracTronics as No. 6B.
The BlockLock circuit latches green signal indications coded into the panel by the dispatcher, until the indication is knocked down by a train detector signal. Opposing green indications cannot be coded, nor can a green indication be coded into an occupied block. BlockLock can also be wired to implement interlocking signal plants for grade level mainline crossings and branches.
BlockLock comes complete with connectors and mounting hardware. Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams, a sample CTC panel layout for one block, and an explanation of how to wire the units for interlocking plant signals.
The DetectTrain circuit interfaces to most signal and control electronics, including AutoBlock, AutoSearch, BlockLock, MasterFlasher, and WhichWay for signaling, SwitchLock and SwitchWitch for switches, and SECSI for computer automation. It is compatible with both command control and cab control systems using common-rail wiring.
DetectTrain comes complete with connectors and mounting hardware. Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams for using the circuit and for constructing a power supply from Radio Shack parts.
The high voltage, high current outputs of the circuit allow MasterFlasher to be used to flash bulbs, buzzers, and other higher voltage, higher current devices than LEDs, and to flash many devices on a single output. The MasterFlasher circuit interfaces to DetectTrain to provide automatic flashing cross buck and crossing gate lights, with only one MasterFlasher circuit required to drive all of the crossing gate lights on a large railroad.
MasterFlasher comes complete with connectors and mounting hardware. Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams for using the circuit and for constructing a power supply from Radio Shack parts.
AutoBlock and AutoSearch come complete with connectors and mounting hardware. Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams for using the circuitc and for constructing a power supply from Radio Shack parts.
WhichWay comes complete with connectors and mounting hardware. Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams for using the circuit and for constructing a power supply from Radio Shack parts.
The rounded waveform of the CoolerCrawler results in safe cool operation even when prototypical switching speeds are maintained for hours. We have run long heavy trains at very slow speeds continuously for six hours and the locomotive motor remained cold to the touch. The excellent slow speed control upgrades the performance of all locomotives on the layout without remotoring and regearing. The performance of moderately-priced stock commercial locomotives when powered by the CoolerCrawler unit is outstanding.
The CoolerCrawler base unit includes memory and momentum features which allow walkaround control with plug-in hand units. The memory has been designed to decay slowly over several minutes to bring unattended trains to a very slow stop. The unit also has a reverse-blocking feature which prevents reversing of the output when the throttle voltage is above an adjustable set point, to prevent the accidental reversing of moving trains.
The CoolerCrawler base unit is capable of a six amp output. The unit has a current limiting feature which limits output current to the six amp rated value even into a dead short. A simple component substitution can set this current limit to a lower value if desired.
The CoolerCrawler base unit does not include a throttle hand unit. The layout and control feel of throttle hand units is such a personal matter that it is impossible to provide a hand unit which meets individual desires. Instructions are included which describe how to build either a push-button or a throttle knob tethered hand unit from Radio Shack parts. The hand unit will cost from $10 to $20 in parts, depending on the kinds of buttons and knobs you use.
An additional option for the throttle hand unit is a radio control hand unit. The CoolerCrawler base unit includes circuitry to interface directly to an available commercial radio control system. The system receiver connects directly to the CoolerCrawler base unit without additional circuitry, power supplies, or batteries. The system transmitter is about the size of an audio cassette box, with no external antenna, and runs on a 9 volt transistor battery. We strongly recommend radio control hand units for walkaround layouts. The radio control system cost is approximately $120, and should be balanced against purchasing and wiring hand unit plug-in locations around the layout and the inconvenience of tethered operation.
The CoolerCrawler base unit has six outputs: two for track, two for reverse loops and voltmeters, and two for an ammeter. The unit has fourteen inputs: two for each of two transformers, four for tethered hand units, and six for a radio control receiver. The unit does not include transformers. One Radio Shack transformer 273-1522 provides a 3 amp output, and an additional 273-1522 boosts the CoolerCrawler capacity to 6 amps.
The CoolerCrawler base unit is the finest throttle we know how to make. The performance, the features, and the quality of the parts used make this the no-compromise throttle solution.
The DetectDCC circuit interfaces to most signal and control electronics, including AutoBlock, AutoSearch, BlockLock, MasterFlasher, and WhichWay for signaling, SwitchLock and SwitchWitch for switches, and SECSI for computer automation. DetectDCC uses an inductive pickup which keeps the DCC electronics and the detection and signaling electronics completely electronically isolated. It is designed strictly for DCC, and does not require common-rail wiring.
Complete instructions include easy-to-follow wiring diagrams for using the circuit and for constructing a power supply from Radio Shack parts.
TracTronics modules are not epoxy-potted black boxes which force your operations to fit the circuit. TracTronics modules include circuit diagrams and complete technical explanations so you understand how to use the circuits and fit them into your operations. Most TracTronics modules come with connectors which allow easy substitution of spares during an operating session so your electronics never leaves you stranded. And all ICs on TracTronics modules are socketed, permitting easy replacement of any failed IC.
For Canada shipments, shipping and handling charges are either $10 US or $14 US, depending on your postal code. Call us and we will advise. Please make payment in US funds. For assembled units shipped to Canada, you must pay the GST to the shipper when the products arrive; there is no GST on electronics kits. We will handle the customs and export paperwork at this end.
International shipments go by US Post Office. If you are ordering from overseas, we will need to iron out the details for your country and advise you as to shipping and handling charges, which may add some time.