ProtoThrottle
MRBW-CST
The ProtoThrottle™ Realistic Control Stand Throttle mimics a standard EMD control stand including full detent throttle and reverser handles, a spring-loaded horn handle, a push-on/push-off bell button, and fully programmable front and rear headlights with a setting for ditch lights. In addition, the ProtoThrottle comes with a robust faceplate machined from aluminum, including prototype bezels, and anodized to give the look and feel of a real control stand."That’s one impressive piece of hardware." – Tony Koester
"I'm having more fun with trains now than I have in years." – Pete Mulvany
"Overall, this is truly a game changer for me... that’s an investment worth making." – James McNab
"...the only description I can think of is WOW!!!! What a cool addition to any layout, it was so easy to use and realistic to operate you guys have hit a real home-run here." – Lionel Strang
The ProtoThrottle is being developed in tandem with Scott Thornton of Designgrid LLC. Scott is responsible for the throttle’s aesthetics, faceplate mechanical production, and marketing.
Features
- Fully wireless throttle
- Eight detent throttle handle
- Reverser handle with centered position
- Brake handle
- Spring-loaded horn handle
- Push-on/push-off bell button
- Front and rear headlight knobs with dim and ditch light settings
- Auxiliary buttons that can be assigned to any DCC function
- Works with any standard DCC decoder
- Interfaces to any* DCC system
- Highly configurable to suit your operating style
- Securely store your throttle with the ProtoThrottle Pocket
*Note: Requires purchase of a separate receiver specific to your DCC system.
Due to regulatory requirements, the ProtoThrottle can only be shipped to the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Orders placed with a shipping address to any other country will be cancelled and refunded.
Product Reviews and Instructional Videos
Configuration Examples
Athearn GP40-2 with Tsunami2 decoder
ScaleTrains.com Dash 9-44CW with Loksound 5 decoder
Setup Guides
Configuring Headlights for the ProtoThrottle
Setting up Auxiliary Lighting Functions on the ProtoThrottle
Decoding the ProtoThrottle Notch Settings
Choosing a ProtoThrottle Braking Mode
Recalibrating the ProtoThrottle Horn and Brake Handles
Specifications
Approximate Dimensions: 7.6"(L) x 3.2"(W) x 3.0"(H)
Powered by 2x AA batteries (not included).
Documents
The complete gEDA design files are available on GitHub.
User Manual | Menu Map (Legal Size)
Previous User Manuals: v1.0
Firmware
v1.1.0 (Rev A73AE5) | Release Notes (10/21/2018)
v1.0.0 (Rev A4A983) | Release Notes (06/29/2018)
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News & Application Notes
Using the ProtoThrottle with CVP EasyDCC
James McNab posted a nice write-up on his ProtoThrottle setup using CVP’s EasyDCC system. See the post here.
On the Road: Lincoln, NE
Spring Creek Model Trains will be at the Lincoln Area Railway Historical Society Show at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, NE, this coming weekend, February 15 & 16, 2020. Stop by their booth for a chance to try out the ProtoThrottle and see our Grain Belt Models grain bins and culverts in person!
Spring Creek will be on the road throughout the year. For the latest show schedule, please check the Spring Creek Model Trains calendar.
ProtoThrottle in Action: West Springfield, MA
Spring Creek Model Trains will be at the Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA, this coming weekend, January 25 & 26, 2020. Stop by their booth for a chance to try out the ProtoThrottle, Realistic Control Stand Throttle and see our Grain Belt Models grain bins and culverts in person!
Spring Creek will be on the road throughout the year. For the latest show schedule, please check the Spring Creek Model Trains calendar.
ProtoThrottle in Action: Plano, TX
Spring Creek Model Trains will be at the Dallas Area Train Show in Plano, TX, this coming weekend, January 18-19, 2020. Stop by their booth for a chance to try out the ProtoThrottle, Realistic Control Stand Throttle and see our Grain Belt Models grain bins and culverts in person!
Spring Creek will be on the road throughout the year. For the latest show schedule, please check the Spring Creek Model Trains calendar.
ProtoThrottle Handle Upgrade Kits Now Available!
The handle upgrade kits for your ProtoThrottle are now available to order through the store. Click here.
ProtoThrottle Handle Upgrade Kit
They’re here! Premium handle upgrades for your ProtoThrottle!
One long brass handle, two short brass handles, and a red plastic handle for the brake. $45 for the kit. Available at Trainfest this weekend. Special discount when purchased with a throttle at the show! Come see us at the Spring Creek Model Trains booth.
Configuring an Athearn GP40-2/Tsunami2 for the ProtoThrottle
This post will take you through the steps to configure an Athearn Genesis GP40-2 with Tsunami2 decoder for use with the ProtoThrottle. Special features of this GP40-2 locomotive include flashing warning strobes on the cab roof which we can control using the ProtoThrottle. DecoderPro was used in the example below, but individual CVs can also be set manually – refer to the Tsunami2 Diesel Technical Reference (available from Soundtraxx.com) for details. A CSV file containing all the CV settings for this locomotive is available below.
ProtoThrottle Auction for Cancer – It’s Done!
To every one who bid or helped us spread the word, we would like to say a big thanks. The two charity throttles brought in over $2300 for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation! We can’t say thanks enough!
ProtoThrottle Auction for Cancer
We will be auctioning off two ProtoThrottles and receivers with full proceeds donated to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada, in honor of Lionel Strang, host of A Modeler’s Life podcast. Lionel received treatment for Stage 4 melanoma and he raises funds each year to help other cancer patients cope with the emotional burden that cancer brings.
Thank You Spring Creek!
We are back home from our weekend in Deshler, NE, at the Spring Creek Model Trains train show and open house. A big thank you to Dave and Deb (and the whole Spring Creek crew) for hosting a wonderful event and allowing us to be part of it. If you are ever in the Deshler area, be sure to stop in and take a look around. You won’t be disappointed!