How do you test accessories before placing on the layout?

[Centurion]

For example, I have a building that I would like to test the lighting in, but I'm not sure how to run power to it. I guess this would be true for any track side accessory. I realize they will all eventually run off the accessory buss, but until then I need an easy testing method.

Thanks,
Burt

[Sierra Man]

 Hi Burt,

 

I just use the 12v battery from one of my cordless tools. I touch the leads from the lights to the contacts on the battery, never blown a bulb yet.

[Hamltnblue]

 First you need to know what voltage the accessory runs at. Also note what your current Accessory buss is.  These days it's not a bad idea to run an AC and DC bus with all the LED's released.  After you figure what voltage the device is calculate any dropping resistor that will be needed if any.  If you don't know the voltage of the device ask a couple of questions.  For bulbs, assume 1.5 volt AC and use a resistor that would handle it. If too dim step the resistor value down until you find the right match.  For LED use DC voltage and do the same.  Start with a 1k resistor and step down until you find the right value.

[MisterBeasley]

I know what bulbs I'm installing, so I don't have to figure out what voltage they run at.  I keep a 9-volt battery around for quick tests on the bench, but I also found a 9-volt DC wall-wart power supply that I keep handy.

I have multiple lighting bus lines running around my layout - a couple of sets for structures, one for street lights, one for the yard towers and so on.  This lets me selectively turn on and off groups of lights, since I mostly run with the room lights on anyway, and don't always need the lights.