powering accessories

[Anonymous]

Lighting a layout need not be expensive. White X mas tree lights can be used and are $1 for a package of 20. You could use them out of package on 110, or cut them up and power them on low voltage. I get my transformers at yard sales and flea markets. The little wall packs that charge you dustbuster, power screwdriver, computer speakers, etc. can be used to power you lights after the unit they were ment to power die. They have voltages between 1 and 60 printed on them, so you series enough x mas tree bulbs to eat up the power. An example is the 20 pack I mentioned above are aprox 6 volts each, so 2 in series will glow bright with a 12 volt wall pack, or dimmer with an 8 volt one. I find the 8 volts will be better as the bulbs will last forever? and not get as hot. I have some 2.2 volt ones from a 50 bulb set that have ran for 5 years this xmas on aprox 1.6 volts. Also, for lights it matters little if it's an ac or dc pack. For other items research. As to how many lamps a wall pack will run, well that's a matter of feel, if the wall pack gets warm you are powering too many lights. That's the unscientific method I use. FRED

[denny99]

QUOTE: Originally posted by keenanc

Do you have to use transformers to power accesories or is there inexspencive way to do so. What else could be used some sort of converter to come straight out of a 110v wall plug.

you can buy one at electronics shop. ask for a 110V AC -> 15V DC transformer. just make sure that its power is enough to supply current your stuff need. I think 3A or more could be a good start.
the trasformers I'm talking about are very similar to the ones you often use in you real life, like mobile phone charger, or portable cd-player charger, or optical fiber christmas tree :)

don't use any self-built stuff to connect to 110V unless you are definately sure bout what you're doing and your electrical skill is high enough to avoid shocks.

as we say in italy: man warned, half safe :)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by keenanc

Do you have to use transformers to power accesories or is there inexspencive way to do so. What else could be used some sort of converter to come straight out of a 110v wall plug.

DO NOT POWER ANYTHING DIRECTLY FROM A WALL PLUG WITHOUT A TRANSFORMER THAT IS UL RATED FOR 120 VAC!!!!

A wall-mount plug-in transformer (the typical 'AC Adaptor') with AC or DC output at various voltages is useful for accessories.

The transformer does several things directly related to safety.

1. Lowers voltage to a safe level.
2. Helps protect the user from exposed wiring power surges such as those induced by lightning strikes.
3. Isolates the layout wiring from the hazards of potential from AC outlet to earth ground.

The model railroad track and layout wiring is most definitely "exposed wiring". Using series resistors to run accessories directly from a wall outlet is a good way to end your model railroading career forever - and the life of anyone else who may come in contact with hazardous voltages.

Always use a transformer.

[Anonymous]

why not wire it in with your lights on the layout if you have them with a diffrent switch to turn then on??

[eastcoast]

I do not recommend going direct to a wall plug without
some sort of resistor or transformer.
You could use battery power for individual areas and looks cool.
Other than these, use a separate power pack for the accessories
and the main packs ( DC ) for your trains.

[Anonymous]

Do you have to use transformers to power accesories or is there inexspencive way to do so. What else could be used some sort of converter to come straight out of a 110v wall plug.