"HOW MANY POWER SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR A SIGNALING SYSTEM?"

[nambo]

Hi, anyone know how many power supplies would be needed for a signaling system on an HO scale layout for one interlocking? (a passing siding on a single track mainline, with search light signals at the interlocking and they extend 3 blocks away from each side of interlocking and Bruce Chubb's Optimized Detectors for DC controlled layouts are to be used)

And, would you need separate power supplies for points (either solenoid or motor points), signals, Bruce Chubb's Optimized Detector for DC controlled layouts and would a separate power supply be needed for a home made "control system" to control points signals and to receive inputs from the detectors?-----"Could the Optimized Detectors and signals be powered from one power source, say a 12Volt, 2Amp supply? "

Also, does Bruce Chubb's CMRI layout signaling system use different power supplies for each part of the system? (eg-signals, detector and so on)

[Anonymous]

I can't answer your questions about Bruce Chubb because I spent twenty years in electronics in the Air Force and I could never understand from one day to the next what he was talking - maybe my confusion came because basically his system was designed for novices; that's fine but tain't for me - whenever I read a Bruce Chubb electronics article my most frequent question was "Why is he doing it that way?".

Anyway, your power requirement for a signalling system is going to be based, in large part, upon how many lights your going to be trying to light at any one time. If you have a lot of lights and you running a continuous lighting system you are going to need many power supplies - on the other hand if you use approach lighting your not going to need nearly as many.

I do know one thing, you would be better off with a dedicated power supply for your switch points. As for signals, start with one; if that breaks down go to two, etc, etc, and soforth.

That doesn't answer your question but it's the best I can do.

[Don Gibson]

For a Signalling System? Should only be one - can be 12 volts, or + / - 12 volts to drive the logic, and lights.
Like the above, Turnouts have their own requirements - independent of track power.

QUOTE: " Also, does Bruce Chubb's CMRI layout signaling system use different power supplies for each part of the system? (eg-signals, detector and so on

Cannot speak for Bruce's system, but each product or design specifies their input requirements, starting with 115V AC house current.

The most limiting factor in Power supplies is the amperage they can deliver. The most limiting component (and expensive) on a power supply is the transformer.

ADDENDUM: Here is a signalling source that makes 12 volt signals, detectors, controllers, and power supplies. Note they have two supplies, YOU supply the transformer. http://www.integratedsignalsystems.com/electronics/index.htm

[xdford]

Hi Nambo,

I'm not sure of the articles you are talking about... unless someone uses the absolute KISS principle, I'm not usually interested. I have a 2 4.5 amp power supply for noe of my cabs... by default... I have tapped into it to power my LED signals, station and yard lights and have bucket loads left to run trains with. By my calculations, I could easily power 50 LED's per ampere and I only have a 4x8 with an offshoot. I'm in Melbourne BTW!

I haven't updated my website yet but it is www.xdford.digitalzones.com FYI Feel free to contact off list with a diagram or two [e-mail]

Regards from across the Tasman

Trevor