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IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ!!
Some of the items listed on this page and the order form are currently not available. In June 2007 I suffered a stroke which left me with limited use of my left hand, so I am not able to provide assembled products. I regret the inconvenience; hopefully I soon will recover more functionality in my left hand.
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SUSPENDED
All electronic kit parts have been packed-up in preparation for a move to a new house in mid-2009. I am unable to fill any orders until then.
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LAST RUN!!
The cost of PC boards has become prohibitive, so the fast clock controller will be discontinued when my stock is exhausted. I currently have in stock 10 controller boards.
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Here is a fast clock with all the features you want: An electronic controller gives you advanced operating features and ease of use. Best of all, it's inexpensive and simple to build.
Fast Clock Controller Features and Benefits
- Single electronic circuit controls up to 10 clocks at once.
- Switch-selectable fast-time ratios from 1:1 to 15:1.
- Simple but powerful output circuitry. Two outputs can each run up to five clocks. Connect up to 10 clocks anywhere on your layout simply by tapping onto the bus wires - great for clubs!
- Run/Stop switch. No need to start and stop the clocks with the power switch.
- Fast Forward switch. You can advance the clock during an operating session, or set it afterwards to the starting time for the next session.
- Even better, there's a Clock Reset switch to quickly advance the clock and stop at the same time the session started.
- Simple and easy to build, because it uses a microprocessor to replace many components.
You can buy complete "plug-and-play" fast clock systems, or you may buy an electronic parts kit and build your own controller. There's a clock movement kit that comes with two sets of hands and all parts needed to modify it for fast time. Or you can buy movements already modified and tested.
Please browse through the information below, then mail your order for prompt shipment. Thank you for your interest.
Currently not available. Read why here.
Traditionally used in steam-era railroad stations, this clock lends an air of elegance to your railroad room.
The oak case is assembled and finished by hand, and measures about 19" high, 9" wide, and 4½" deep; the dial is about 7" in diameter. The pendulum swings independently of the fast clock. This is what you get:
- The Regulator clock, serially numbered and signed by me.
- Assembled and tested fast clock controller, housed in the styrene case (see photo). One output, for operating up to five fast clocks.
- Power adaptor which plugs into a wall receptacle.
- 12' cable with plug to connect the clock to the controller
- Insured shipping to your continental U.S. address.
Please allow three weeks (excluding shipping time) for me to build your clock.
Currently not available. Read why here.
Includes everything described above except the Regulator clock. Instead, you get a wall clock similar to the one shown, in a round or octagonal wood case, and with a dial about 7" in diameter (fast clock does not have a second-hand). Clock style may be different from this photo.
As with the Regulator, the price includes the controller, power adaptor, cable, and insured shipping. Please allow two weeks, plus shipping time.
Currently not available. Read why here.
This small wooden clock enclosure is designed to mount on the edge of the benchwork, eliminating unrealistic wall-mounted "clocks in the sky." With the clock conveniently located near controls and waybill boxes, crews can quickly glance at it to read the time.
Only 4-1/2" square by 2" deep, the clock can be installed on the front of the fascia or, with optional "ears," from the rear through a hole the fascia. The enclosure is made of solid oak, poplar, or birch, with a hand-rubbed tung oil finish.
The clock dial is custom-printed on ivory or white paper with your railroad's name (or anything else you desire). A clear plastic panel protects the clock face and hands. You may also order the front panel backed with a paper bezel, printed black with a "gold"-trimmed round hole, as shown in this photo.
Click here to view a dimensional drawing and available options.
Please note: This is an enclosure only. Remember to order a clock movement (1/8" dial thickness) for each enclosure. Each enclosure comes with a set of clock hands to fit its small dial.
Because these enclosures are custom-built for you, please send an email to mike at mdodd dot com before mailing your order. We need to agree on the custom lettering and which of the options you want.
Parts Kit, $45.00. Includes the circuit board, all electronics parts, and assembly instructions. You provide the case, switches, connectors, and power supply. Some people don't use a case and connectors; instead they screw the circuit board to the benchwork and wire directly to its terminals.
Assembled and Tested, $75.00. Currently not available. Read why here.
Everything in the Parts Kit above, but soldered and tested. Again, you supply the case, connectors, and power supply.
Bare-bones Parts Kit, $27.00. Just the circuit board, custom-programmed microprocessor, and assembly instructions. Buy this if you want to obtain your own electronics parts.
Currently not available. Read why here.
Want to "plug and play?" Buy this assembled and tested controller. It comes in a styrene case with switches and connectors installed. Please specify the initial speed ratio you want, 1:1 to 15:1 (you may easily change this at any time).
The secret to this fast clock is replacing a clock's original movement with a modified Klockit Q-80 movement. The simple modification procedure (about 10 minutes) is fully described in the controller assembly instructions.
Because the Q-80 movement is a standard size, it can convert almost any clock into a fast clock. Frequently it just snaps in! You can use a clock already on hand, choose from the dozens available in stores, or build one from Klockit.
Please note this well! The dial can be as large as 7" in diameter. As tempting as it may be to use a larger dial and longer hands, you are likely to run into some problems because the Q-80 movement isn't powerful enough to overcome the inertia of long hands. It may be possible to achieve reliable operation with larger clocks by fiddling with the resistor added to the movement, or trying to balance the minute hand, but don't say I didn't warn you.
Buy your clock first so you can specify the dial thickness when ordering a Q-80 movement. Note: Some commercial clocks come with movements that closely resemble the Q-80 - they may even have the same Quartex brand name. However, I have found it difficult or impossible to use these movements for fast time.
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Important - Please Read!
Use care when ordering Q-80 movements from Klockit! Only "Premimum" USA-made movements work with the fast clock controller.
Several years ago, Klockit began importing Q-80 clock movements from China. These are different internally than the USA-made Q-80 clock movements described in the August 1997 Model Railroader article, and they do not work with the fast clock controller.
Fortunately, I have some USA-made Q-80 movements in stock, so you may order the movements directly from me.
Remember, if you order movements from Klockit, be sure to specify the "Premium, Made In USA" version, not the standard version.
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I offer USA-made Q-80 movements with two sets of hands and the parts to modify them for fast time.
Movement Kit, $7.50.
Includes one unmodified Klockit USA-made Q-80 movement, the resistor, wire, and instructions to modify the movement, and two sets of hands. The medium-length hands, Klockit no. 66936, are for dials approximately 5½" in diameter, and the long hands, no. 66927, are for 7" dials.
Modified Movement, $20.00.
Currently not available. Read why here.
Order this if you want to avoid modifying a movement yourself. Includes one USA-made Q-80 movement modified and tested as described in the assembly instructions, and two sets of hands.
Clock Hands. Each movement you buy comes with two sets of hands, normally the #66936 for 5½" diameter dials, and #66927 for 7" dials. You may substitute the #66979 or #66990 for 3¾" dials. Please indicate on the order form which hands you want.
Here is a photo of the four sets of hands, along with a ruler to help judging the actual length. You may snip off a short portion of the medium and long hands if they are too long.
Updated on October 8, 3007