Fixed Voltage

[Anonymous]

I wired 4 Lionel 5153 O guage switches for fixed voltage to a Marx 150 watt transformer at the 16 volt accessory terminals. They snapped well. Then I added 8
more of the LIonel newer O gauge switches (the ones with the small straight and curve pieces) to the same Marx 150. ( I use a terminal strip.
The switches don"t snap as good now.
Is this too much now with all the lights etc. for the Marx 150?
Each switch should have 12-14 volts for good action and I'm wondering if I need more power.
I guess I should use my KW 190, huh?
What do you guys with this many switches do?
Thanks

[Chris F]

150 W Postwar transformer x 0.75 efficiency factor = 112 W

12 Switches x 3 lamps/switch x 3 W/lamp = 108 W

112W - 108 W = not much power to operate switch!

Sample alternatives:
Remove lamp from switch or lamp(s) from controller.
Change from lamps to LED's.
Use larger transformer.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Chris except I expect the efficiency factor is more like 66% or about 100 watts. Incandescent bulbs are big eaters!

[ADCX Rob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chris F

150 W Postwar transformer x 0.75 efficiency factor = 112 W

Maybe a little less efficient, here...

QUOTE: 12 Switches x 3 lamps/switch x 3 W/lamp = 108 W

Only 2 lamps on at a time, though... but 3 watts is on the low side for #53 bulbs @ 14-16 volts.

QUOTE: 112W - 108 W = not much power to operate switch!

Still comes out to about the same result.

QUOTE: Sample alternatives:
Remove lamp from switch or lamp(s) from controller.
Change from lamps to LED's.
Use larger transformer.

Get a voltmeter hooked up to see what your actual voltage to the circuit is under static load. I think you'd be surprised how much it drops off after your first several switches!

Rob

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for the response.
I'll keep working, trying these ideas.
Thanks again