Took a chance on controllers...

[turbokev]

Surfing ebay tonight and won a pair of used PM controllers for $41

They look like the first PM controller I had 10+ years ago..

Can anyone identify by the pictures if they are suitable for a positive ground routed track?

I want to use them as house controllers and for my kids..

Figured it was worth the risk at $26 each shipped.

[4424ever]

At $41 if you hook them up and they don't work your still ahead of the game! It's very easy to throw a polarity switch in and then there good anywhere they go. Switches are cheep and all the instructions are on PM's site :banana-dance:

[Modlerbob]

I like the basic PM controller. The trigger is smooth and there isn't much that can go wrong with them. I have two at my track for visitors.

[RichD]

Since they have alligator clips chances are that they are positive polarity controllers. Just connect the white and black wires and if the controller works OK you can then connect the red wire. If the controler only has full speed the polarity is backwards for your track, you can reverse black and white and it will work as long as you leave the red brake wire disconnected. If you want to use brakes you will have to install the dual polarity kit.

[Florida_Slotter]

There is a neat little test that you can do with your controllers.

I have a bench power supply that I use for all my motor break-ins and testing prior to heading off to a race. I find it so much better to have tested the direction the car will go on the track PRIOR to going to the track and finding that little WHOOPS that grabs us from time to time.

Just take the POSITIVE terminal of your power supply and connect it to the WHITE alligator clip on your controller.

Next take the BLACK alligator clip on your controller and connect it to the POSITIVE (red) motor connector.

Finally connect the NEGATIVE terminal of your power supply to the NEGATIVE motor connector.

You should now be able to control the speed of your motor.

If you want brakes, just hook up the RED alligator clip of your controller to the NEGATIVE motor connector or NEGATIVE terminal of the power supply.

Sorry but my CAD program is not up at this time or I would draw up a little schematic for y'all. RichD, can you do that for me?

[Florida_Slotter]

[turbokev]

Thanks all.. especially for that neat little test!

As soon as they arrive I'll be checking them that way~

[RichD]

How is this? I think I got it right, I will send you my bill.

[Florida_Slotter]

Thank you RichD.