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traffic signals

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  • Member since
    December 2011
  • 55 posts
traffic signals
Posted by wirta1 on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 1:21 PM

I have the walthers switch machine, but have N scale traffic lights that run on 12v. the walthers switch machine puts out only 1-2v. Is there a relay that can be used? or maybe a transistor that i can use to transfer that 1-2v into 12v. Thank you.

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: South Carolina
  • 1,719 posts
Posted by Train Modeler on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 1:44 PM

It sounds like you don't have enough power to run the light.  So a relay makes sense, but will require an external power source also.   Relays are available at.    Just match the voltage and amp requirements.

http://www.allelectronics.com/

And other places.

Richard

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 7:49 PM

I assume you mean the Walthers traffic light controller.  This unit is meant to drive LEDs.  It has built-in current-limiting resistors so that none are necessary for the LED traffic lights.  Not only does that make them impractical for driving 12-volt bulbs, it probably makes them unable to drive a relay.  There may be a relay that would work with this unit, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.

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

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