Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Clem takes a vintage Z-scale train controller and rebuilds it using modern electronics to achieve smooth, precise speed control. By analysing the original transformer-based controller, he demonstrates why it produces stepped voltage and inconsistent low-speed performance. Clem then builds a proof-of-concept system using an Arduino Uno R4, a motor driver, and a rotary encoder to generate PWM motor control with ramping for smoother acceleration. Along the way he explains how engineers approach proof-of-concept development, how encoder input can replace analog controls, and how PWM can maintain torque while allowing extremely slow, scale-accurate train movement. You can find further instructions and files on the e14 Community: bit.ly/4bErgz6
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Proof of Concept
02:25 The Tiny Train
04:43 Brains of the Operation
06:38 Testing
08:36 The Code
11:32 Testing… Again
14:05 Wrap Up
#arduinoprojects #modeltrains #motorcontroller
Visit the element14 Community for more great activities and free hardware:
Tech spotlights: bit.ly/3qPrDhM
RoadTest and Reviews: bit.ly/3pV5Bux
Project14: bit.ly/31wbnJY
Clem takes a vintage Z-scale train controller and rebuilds it using modern electronics to achieve smooth, precise speed control. By analysing the original transformer-based controller, he demonstrates why it produces stepped voltage and inconsistent low-speed performance. Clem then builds a proof-of-concept system using an Arduino Uno R4, a motor driver, and a rotary encoder to generate PWM motor control with ramping for smoother acceleration. Along the way he explains how engineers approach proof-of-concept development, how encoder input can replace analog controls, and how PWM can maintain torque while allowing extremely slow, scale-accurate train movement. You can find further instructions and files on the e14 Community: bit.ly/4bErgz6
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Proof of Concept
02:25 The Tiny Train
04:43 Brains of the Operation
06:38 Testing
08:36 The Code
11:32 Testing… Again
14:05 Wrap Up
#arduinoprojects #modeltrains #motorcontroller
Visit the element14 Community for more great activities and free hardware:
Tech spotlights: bit.ly/3qPrDhM
RoadTest and Reviews: bit.ly/3pV5Bux
Project14: bit.ly/31wbnJY
