dommy20 wrote: jeffrey-wimberly wrote:If I want to run DC only I just flip all my block switches to DC and run them with a MRC Tech4 280 Dual controller power pack.Ok, i'm starting to get the picture. i'm wishing i hadn't thrown out my old computer without stealing the power supply! but the last sentence confuses me, when you say "run DC only" do you mean not using Command Control? i'm still not sure when AC comes in, if it does at all.
jeffrey-wimberly wrote:If I want to run DC only I just flip all my block switches to DC and run them with a MRC Tech4 280 Dual controller power pack.
Ok, i'm starting to get the picture. i'm wishing i hadn't thrown out my old computer without stealing the power supply! but the last sentence confuses me, when you say "run DC only" do you mean not using Command Control? i'm still not sure when AC comes in, if it does at all.
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dommy20 wrote: when you say "run DC only" do you mean not using Command Control? i'm still not sure when AC comes in, if it does at all.
Don't confuse track power with accessory power or power inputs.
Some DCC units take a standard AC power input, they translate that AC to DCC for the trains to use. This is just like a traditional DC power pack. The power from the wall is AC and the power pack translates it to DC for the trains. The trains (unless you are talking Marklin brand) should never "see" a standard sign wave AC power applied to the track.
Other than that traditional sign wave AC is only for "other" things around the layout. Mostly light bulbs.
dommy20 wrote: what i should have said is power source. i've seen "boosters" advertised, which i assume are individual power packs used to pump up different sections of track, etc? what i'm imagining is that for optimal performance i'm going to need individual power packs, or boosters, or whatever, to run the myriad things on a layout.
Now, each DCC booster must have a power supply. The power supplies must be independent from one another. Many people use old DC power packs to provide the raw power to the DCC booster. Once again it depends on the specific DCC booster as to whether the input needs to be AC, DC, and what voltage. I have one system that will take anything up to 20 volts. I have another one that will only take AC.
If you want DCC accessories they must be added to one of the boosters and theirr power consumption must be calculated in with the locomotives.
Texas Zepher wrote:ok, now here is where i get mixed up with AC and DC. you're saying stall motors run on DC, but i thought that everything was running on DC. what would be running on AC?
Texas Zepher wrote: dommy20 wrote:Here's my question, what do i use for say, the power supply running accessories such as lighted buildingsThe same thing you used 20 years ago. The Accessory out put of a toy train transformer.
dommy20 wrote:Here's my question, what do i use for say, the power supply running accessories such as lighted buildings
what i should have said is power source. i've seen "boosters" advertised, which i assume are individual power packs used to pump up different sections of track, etc? what i'm imagining is that for optimal performance i'm going to need individual power packs, or boosters, or whatever, to run the myriad things on a layout.
Texas Zepher wrote: dommy20 wrote:one running only switch machinesDepends on the kind of switch machines you are talking about. Many modelers have abandon the twin-coil type snap switches and gone to slow motion stall motors. The twin-coil type would still be powered just like they were 20 years ago. The stall motors need DC power.
dommy20 wrote:one running only switch machines
ok, now here is where i get mixed up with AC and DC. you're saying stall motors run on DC, but i thought that everything was running on DC. what would be running on AC?
dommy20 wrote:20 years ago and i was pretty young, so all this neat DCC and complicated wiring either did not exist or was beyond my reach.
Here's my question, what do i use for say, the power supply running accessories such as lighted buildings
one running only switch machines
(unless its easier to run these from the track blocks?)??
i'm assuming that for a larger layout i want seperate power sources for the track, and others for lights and signals, etc.
now the theoretical part, couldn't i just use a 12v transformer like the kind used for low-voltage outdoor lights? its got a built in timer, can handle a variety of wattage, couldn't this work to power at least lighting inside buildings and whatnot, with the addition of whatever resisters may be needed to keep from blowing out bulbs?
Along this line of thought a wonderful power supply is one out of an old computer. The computer 12VDC supplies are regulated. In simple terms that means it is 12V regardless of the load. On an unregulated supply like a tyco toy transformer (usually indicated with a 12VA output designation) the voltage will drop as the load increases.
First off, the last time i had an HO layout was almost 20 years ago and i was pretty young, so all this neat DCC and complicated wiring either did not exist or was beyond my reach. now i'm dying to get back in, and from what i've read it sounds like i need some good power sources for all the different little things that eventually might get added.
Here's my question, what do i use for say, the power supply running accessories such as lighted buildings, or one running only switch machines (unless its easier to run these from the track blocks?)?? i'm assuming that for a larger layout i want seperate power sources for the track, and others for lights and signals, etc. now the theoretical part, couldn't i just use a 12v transformer like the kind used for low-voltage outdoor lights? its got a built in timer, can handle a variety of wattage, couldn't this work to power at least lighting inside buildings and whatnot, with the addition of whatever resisters may be needed to keep from blowing out bulbs? someone help me out, because i am far from an electrical engineer!! thanks a bunch
Dominic Miele