Best Power Suppy for the Money

[Anonymous]

I have seen on several forums the discussions about power supplies and how much power is really needed. While I understand that many would recommend the battery route I have for the time decided to stay with power from the rails and want to hear what others have used for their railways.

I currently have started down the path of the onboard Aristo Train Engineer and will probably continue in that direction. I currently have an Aristo Ultimate and it does not seem to give what I consider enough juice once you add one new pacfic and 6 heavyweights.

The two supplies that I am considering are the Elite and Bridgewerks new 18v@30 amp regulated supply. With a price difference off about $279.00 I am just wondering if the Bridewerks isn't a little over kill.

I welcome anyone's thoughts and experciences,

Tim

[lkydvl]

Tim,

Save your money and go to eBay. Look in the industrial electronics and other electronics sections. Do a search for 24 volt power supplies.

I have purchased several off ebay that provide 24 volts at 20 plus amps. These are very high quality, highly filtered, conisistent power supplies. I have paid from $26 to $35 for these supplies. They have worked far better than the Ultima I also have. I too use the Aristo TE systems and have had no trouble with them.

Andre'

[Anonymous]

Here's a pretty good unit "brand new" for $149 30V-10A or for $179 30V-20A

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQgotopageZ1QQsassZhyelecQQsorecordsperpageZ50QQsosortorderZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1

I prefer the used units as well. Just picked up a 40V-7A unit for $33.

I would venture to guess that either of these offer better filtered DC than the commercial train units as Andre has indicated. I used to fix/calibrate these in a past life.


Hope this helps![:D]

[Anonymous]

Finally a chat that isnt about raming battries into box cars. I also am just starting out in the hobby and intend to use track power and would be quite happy with a cord remote (LGB jumbo pack and the other bits). I have been trying to read up on a power supply that would suit my needs/budget but such a minor set-up is never printed. Is there other brands out there that will do the same job, as I am only running Bachmann 040 and similar on a tiny railway. Hope someone can help or have some ideas.

[piercedan]

Aristo limits the voltage spec to 28 volt for the 75 mhz on board units, and the trackside 27 mhz is more like 24 volts max.

The ultima is not a regulated supply so the output drops as the current load increases. Ok for small engines and slow trians.

The elite has a 22.5 volt output at no load and at the full 13 amp load. Great for the newer big engines with built in electronics.

If using the 27 mhz trackside and you go over 5 amps, the unit needs the optional fan installed.

[Anonymous]

I am very happy with my newly purchased Bridgewerks Mag 10 SR. It has selectable momentum control and is a very well built, lab quality transformer which operates single and dual motor engines very smoothly on my 110' brass layout. This particular model has speed control for one train and lists for about $270. The Ebay thing and other suggestions look very interesting, I'm sure I over paid but am very happy with the performance, craftmanship and all the features of the Bridgewerks.

PS- I do not have any affiliation with or reason to gain by promoting Bridgewerks, just a satisfied customer!

Good Luck,
Rich

[kstrong]

I usually cram batteries into my tenders, personally. [}:)] (Sorry, someone had to say it.)

Serisously, though, If I were to do track power, I'd consider the Bridgewekrs unit if I were looking for a power supply/throttle control all in one unit. They're built like tanks, and put out a VERY flat DC signal. (I did a power supply review a few years ago for GR--June 2002, I think).

But, if you're looking for a cheaper set-up, look for HAM radio power supplies. They all put out a very pure DC signal in varying voltages and amprages, depending on your needs and budget. You will, however, need to buy some kind of throttle control, then. My personal choice would be Aristocraft's Train Engineer system, but you may consider others as well. But these HAM power supplies are usually rather affordable when compared to most train power supplies.

Later,

K