Power Supplies

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Try to get a power supply from an old AT type computer. You don't need to do anything to them to get them to work. If use one from an ATX type computer you have to add a large resistor to put a load on it so it'll work.

[Stevert]

Lots of pople throw away old PC's, look for one and use it's power supply.  You can even find new PC power supplies that are cheap, if you look hard enough. 

  There are lots of places on the Web with instructions on how to use them for non-computer purposes (since they're switching power supplies, you have to provide a load).  Here's one example:  http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.batts/ps/POWERSUPPLY.HTM
 

HTH,
Steve 

[tomikawaTT]

I have an accumulation of old train set power packs (garage sale prizes, collected by my sister,) wall warts from dead battery powered tools, plus a power supply built around the radio shack filament transformer Rotor included as his first post.  The ones currently in use plug into a power bar (with circuit breaker) which, in turn, is plugged into the dedicated layout power circuit downstream of the, "Kill everything," switch.

Dedicated layout power circuit?  That's what you get when you unplug the garage door opener and plug the trunk of the 120V layout power tree into the vacated socket.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I use an old AT computer power supply for most of my non-track power (structure lighting). The power supply puts out 12v and 5v DC. I power the switch machines with an old Bachmann trainset power pack.

[tstage]

MVRail,

Or, you can use an old DC power supply/transformer and "dial it down" to the voltage that you need.  You may want to add a physical stop to it so that no one accidentally turns it up and blows out your lights.

Tom

[Rotorranch]

I use Radio Shack transformers for auxillary power supplies.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102702&cp=2032058.2032230.2032277&parentPage=family

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102700&cp=2032058.2032230.2032277&parentPage=family

You could also use something like this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2194437&cp=&sr=1&origkw=power+supply&kw=power+supply&parentPage=search

Rotor

[Seamonster]

If the load isn't too high you can use "wall warts."  You can get them up to 1.5 amps.  You could use more than one and divide your lighting into sections.  You can also purchase a 12 volt power supply at any electronics store or mail order, and even Radio Shack sells them.  You can get power supplies with capacities of several amps.

 

[MVRail]

Where do I find seperate power supplies for my lighting, switch machines and other uses.  Specifically 5 volt  and 12 volt supply.  Looking for supply not associated with track supply.