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Miller Engineering Billboards

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GJZ
  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 10 posts
Posted by GJZ on Thursday, October 22, 2020 3:32 PM

Thanks for the info.  When on the website and saw that.  I had bought these a few years ago at a local train show and just getting around to using them.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, October 22, 2020 3:14 PM

 That's where you would use the adpater board they sell, or the cheap little buck converters I use - same thing, except mine are adjustable so I can use them for everything. That way I can run an ~12V bus but use it to power many different things by adjusting each converter to output the required voltage.

                                --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, October 22, 2020 2:01 PM

I first run mine when I get a new one, using the batteries.  That lets me know it's working.  I measure the current with a multi-meter, and then add a resistor so that I can connect the sign and power it with my standard 12 VDC illumination bus.

I got tired of all the little special purpose wall warts powering things.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, October 22, 2020 11:05 AM

 Yes, Miller offers two different power supplies that replace the battery pack, one that can drive up to 3 signs, and one for up to 10 signs.

They also have an adapter board that will work with anything from 5-17 volts, AC or DC, and outputs the correct 4.5 volts for the signs. Each one runs up to 6 signs. You can run this one from the AC terminals of an old power pack, for example.

 Both items are at the bottom of their signs page on their web site.

                                        --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, October 22, 2020 11:04 AM

I have all of my Miller signs running from a 4.5V DC "wall-wart" power supply. It is a good way to go.

Miller sells a power supply and a distribution strip, also a #4804 5-17V AC or DC  to 4.5VDC "converter" but since I already had the wall wart available I simply used that.

Good Luck, Ed

GJZ
  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 10 posts
Miller Engineering Billboards
Posted by GJZ on Thursday, October 22, 2020 11:01 AM

On these billboards it comes with a battery pack that you use three triple AAA batteries.  I was wondering if you can cut off the battery pack and then wire the two leads going from the circuit board to some type of a power source?

Not sure if anyone has tried doing that.

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