24V DC battery power

[Anonymous]

Hello all,
I need some advice. I have set up an indoor layout that will closely resemble my outdoor layout that I will set up after Breakup. I have used 2 Yuasa 12v YB-14 BS motorcycle batteries wired in a series hooked through a 5 amp transformer (LGB11070) with a cut-out switch and a 10amp fuse on the backside of the circut. I have built solar panels to charge the batteries with (we get 20 hours of daylight in the peak of the summer).

It seems to work fine. I have even shorted out the track to see what would happen and the breaker in the transformer clicks and cuts out. I think the batteries are charging a capacitator in the transformer and it can only supply 5 amps to the track no matter what.

My questions are this. Why haven't I heard of anyone else doing this?. The batteries seem to be able to power as much track as I care to bolt together .
Has anyone else tried this?. Is it dangerous? I'm not sure what the amperage coming off the batteries before the transformer is......but it's considerably more than 10 amps.

I am really excited by the possibilities of an "off-grid" power system,. Please tell me what you think. Thanks

Jon S.
Wasilla, Alaska

[underworld]

I've read about this being done.....or something close to it. For ideas about off grid power check out Mother Earth News http://www.motherearthnews.com they also have a magazine. www.veggievan.org check out the discussion group, not all off grid power but there are some good links there.

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[kstrong]

I suppose part of it has to do with the power still going through the rails, hence the need to continue cleaning the track. So long as you've got to run wires to the rails, then it's simple enough to plug a power supply into the wall and tap into that. I've heard of folks using set-ups like that for running temporary tracks at camp sites and the like, but I think the reality is that for 99% of the people it's just a matter of convenience to plug into the wall. There's no reason it won't work, though.

Now, if you can rig solar panels on the top of the locomotive to charge onboard batteries, now there's something to contemplate!

Later,

K

[underworld]

Have you considered putting your power on board and using radio control???

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

I have a limited buget, all my train stuff is hand me downs or broken stuff I bought cheap and bashed out or fixed. I would love R/C and Marklin Live Steam but It's unlikely to happen any time soon. I am so new to the hobby that I am still thrilled just to watch my small train go around in an oval. I would like to thanks those that posted and will post. Taking a small layout camping could be really cool....I wonder what the bears would think?.

Jon

[markperr]

Amperage is subject to load. If you put enough locos on the track to draw more than the five amps, then your breakeer will trip. It seems like you've provided ample protection to your power supply. The amount of run time you get from your charge will obviously have to do with the amount of available power you have stored and how fast your load dwindles. I would say the only danger you have is if the battery terminals are left exposed and you accidently arc across the output terminals. As long as you don't do that, you're good. Congrats on finding a way to keep from having to pay for power.

Mark