Been in retirement mode now for 15 months, and maybe this will be the winter to get that last layout underway...maybe. Right now the project is major kitchen demo and expansion. I bought a few LED light bars from All Electronics, hoping they will work for (1)undercabinet lighting, and (2)possible layout lighting. 24" long strip with 24 bright LED's, 24 volt, $7.75 each.
I built a simple power supply, 18 volt 1.4 amp trans, FWB, on a junction cover to test out a strip. Looks good. Attached a cord, plugged it in, and got no juice. Rechecked all connections three times, and then twice more. Had to leave for errands, got back to it later, and still no luck. I spent more time trying to figure out the problem than to build the supply.
The EUREKA moment finally came. If you don't solder wires to the transformer output tabs, and connect said wires to the FWB inputs, you will create my problem. It's like trying to water the grass without hooking up the hose to the faucet. The up side to the process was that it's much easier to check the light output after dark, which by this time it was. And the conclusion is: the system will work okay for under the cabinet. The light is soft, with no discernable shadows. The bulk of the light is in about a 30-40 degree arc, but is barely sufficient for counter lighting at 18" height. But it will work, and I'm going for it. Power consumption is about 80ma per 24" section. I think it's a bit too dim for layout lighting unless strips are paralleled, and then cost becomes a larger factor (unless your thing is a dusk or pre-dawn setting).
Anyway...it's more than a bit distressing to discover that these "moments" seem to be occurring more frequently, and seem to be of longer duration. I fully expect that the side of my head will develop a concave set from the ongoing upside slaps I've been giving myself. Anybody else have bonehead blunder issues?
More than I care t think about!
Had a problem with my Digitrax DT 400, sent it into Digitrax. They said the + button was stuck down, other than that it was fine. When I got it back I was in a hurry to get it back up and running. (had been using by old Bachmann E Z)
Wired up the track power line and hit the power, nothing! Boy I as PO, messed with it and still could not get the track power light to come on. Then, I backed up and regrouped. I had hook the track power wires to Config A and Ground hook ups, not track power.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Hi!
I retired at 62 (5/06), and spent the next two years helping caregive my in-laws. There was really not much time for anything else as it was a full time "job" plus. When my Father in Law passed, and my Mother in Law was placed in a private facility, we then spent the next 6 months refurbishing their home - which was very much a full time "job". When she passed last January, my wife and I both suddenly found ourselves with time on our hands - and it took us about 3 months to adjust somewhat.
My point is, we (most of us anyway) work most of our lives, and dedicating ourselves to work and family. And then one day the kids are out on their own (maybe not so much these days), and later on the demands of the workplace are suddenly gone.
While many think this is a great and wonderful thing (it is), there is definitely a period of adjustment to submerge ourselves into a new lifestyle. And then many of us (including me) find that our minds gradually don't hold that short term memory, and our concentration and attention just isn't like it used to be. Thank goodness my wife and I watch out for each other!
All that being said, I believe the Hobby, especially the building of a layout, helps keep our minds sharp. Uhhhh, now if only I can remember what this original post was all about......................
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
You made an 18V supply for a 24V LED. You could increase the brightness a few candles by upping the voltage and regulating and filtering it. LEDs like pure DC.
73
Bruce in the Peg
I get those when I do not listen to Obvious Man. Been there, done that, have the T shirt.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Blind Bruce You made an 18V supply for a 24V LED. You could increase the brightness a few candles by upping the voltage and regulating and filtering it. LEDs like pure DC.
Yup, a conscious choice. No load, it tests at 20.2v. With 5 strips, 400ma, I should still have about 19v. Did not want to run any risk of overpowering. Did try this am off a 24v supply, and the difference in brightness is negligible. Gary