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Rheostat Help

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  • Member since
    September 2019
  • 1 posts
Rheostat Help
Posted by Train Noob on Thursday, September 26, 2019 5:59 PM

I want to start off by saying I know nothing about model trains.  My father in law is looking for a rheostat for his transformer and I am reaching out to anyone that may know what he needs.  The specs for his transformer are below.

Input: 120VAC, 0.12Amp 60Hz

Output:  22VDC, 7VA

 

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Friday, September 27, 2019 9:15 AM

Hi Train Noob, and Welcome aboard!

Let's see, AC in, DC out.  Sounds like what your father-in-law has has an HO transformer.  Just guessing here with the information you've given.  "Rheostat" was kind of trigger word as well, HO guys typically use that term.

Do you know exactly  what kind of trains your FIL has?

If there's no hobby shops in the area that can give you advice you may want to ask this question on the "Model Railroader" Forum, that's "HO Central" over there.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • 141 posts
Posted by Laurastom on Friday, September 27, 2019 11:08 AM

The output of this power supply is only .3A, that will not run much. Second it seems to be a fixed 22V. HO trains usually use 12VDC maximum. I would recommend against using a rheostat when the transformer output voltage exceeds the maximum design voltage of the engine motor and and the car illumination.

If he has G scale trains the voltage is ok but the VA rating is not adequate.

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