EZ-LITE™ modules are rated for a maximum PEAK input voltage of 16 volts. Many older and less-expensive model railroad power packs put out 25 to 30 volt peaks. This voltage will certainly damage EZ-LITE™ modules, and it will also damage motor commutators. (For example, note that Kato clearly states on some of their packages that their locomotives are rated for 12 volts MAXIMUM.)

These older, less expensive power packs are often used anyway, and in many cases, they are used to supply the raw input power for the AristoCraft radio controlled throttles. Typically, the AristoCraft throttles put out essentially the same peak voltage as what is supplied at their input.

In order to "tame" the voltage fed into throttles like the AristoCraft, Richmond Controls has developed a 4 amp switching regulator. It will take any input voltage up to about 35 volts and output a steady voltage of 14 VDC. When connected between the output of a power pack and the input of another throttle like the AristoCraft, this switching regulator insures that the final output voltage never exceeds 14 volts.

At this time, this regulator is not released, but we have supplied beta-test samples to clubs with voltage problems. Please contact Richmond controls if you are interested.