what's used to power a smoke generator hobby chimmy ,can I connect the wires to the same panel ,that powers my tracks with a turn on-turn off switch. or do I need a unit for power.John
The package should indicate the required power source. Usually runs off the accessory terminals of your power pack. NOT the variable DC that runs the trains.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hi, John
You should be able to find out from the maker of your smoke unit what the power requirements are for your particular unit.
Personally, I suggest using a power supply that is not robbing current from running your trains. You can find wall type transformers in many voltages and current ratings. You don't want to use the "track" terminals on a power pack since that is variable with the speed control.
A "wall-wart" as they are sometimes called can be plugged into a power strip that you can turn off when you are not using the layout or running trains and you can wire a simple on-off toggle switch on the low-voltage side going to the smoke unit when you don't want the smoke to fill the room
http://www.gaugemaster.com/seuthe.html
It looks like most models are OK to run from around 8-12 volts for the smaller ones and up to 22 volts for the larger ones. I assume this is AC but maybe they run OK on DC as well. Usually a symbol like this denotes AC ~ and --- will indicate DC on the output (low voltage) side of the transformer.
Depending on the size of your unit you would only need about 200 milliamp supply (.2 amp) unless you are using those bigger ones at 800 mA where you'd need a 1 amp supply.
Good Luck, Ed