Power supply question

[KKEIFE]

I am almost ready to lay track on my first layout (7X11) and am thinking ahead to the wiring and electrical portion, of which I have a minimal understanding.

I have purchased a Digitax Zephyr and think I understand how to wire the track (fairly simple). However, I also have on order a dozen Tortoise switch machines. I was planning on using a separate source to supply power to them, perhaps a Wall wort from RS.

I found, in a second hand store, a Bachman train set that looks fairly new for $15. It had an engine and a few cars and enough track to make a simple oval. Also include was a Backman power supply. I could not see a model number, but it did say that it had 7 volts of total output.

My question is: Does it sound like I could use the DC terminals on the Bachman to supply power for the switch machines; you you DC for Tortoise's right? I thought I could use the AC on the power supply for other accesories like lights etc.

Thanks, for any replies

Ken

[cacole]

I think that marking on the Bachmann power pack is 7 Watts, not 7 Volts; and yes, it can be used to power the Tortoise switch machines. Use the variable DC outputs that would normally be connected to the track, and turn the power pack throttle up slowly until you find the setting which will operate all of the Tortoise switch machines simultaneously at the desired speed. You'll then need to run the wiring from the power pack through individual SPDT or DPDT toggle switches to the individual Tortoise swtich motors to control their direction of travel. Remember, the Tortoise requries a constant voltage instead of a pulse like solenoid machines.

[rrinker]

That's probably not 7 volts, it probably syas 7 VA, which is volt-amperes, or watts. As 12V this would be less than 1 amp. It should be enough to run quite a few Tortoises, plus you could throttle back alittle and run them on less voltage which quiets them down a bit. But you aren't going to be able to load very many other accessory items on that little power pack.
Your best bet is to get the wall-wart at Radio Shack or wherever. It's less than $15, and there's not going to be much of use in that train set - those low-priced Bachmann sets have generally poor locomotives and rollign stock, and the track, unless it's a newer set with some of their EZ Track, is of generally inferior quality as well. So you'd be paying $15 for a cheap power pack with less than 1 amp of output.

--Randy

[KKEIFE]

Yes, the rest of the stuff was worthless, I wad just looking at the power supply.


Thanks, guys for the input.

[KKEIFE]

I was just wondering what gauge wire you all use to wire the DPDT switches and the switch machines.

[rrinker]

Doesn't need to be all that substantial, at least with a Tortoise. They only draw 10-12 milliamps, so here's where phone wire works great.
For snap action solenoid machines, the heavier the better.

--Randy