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 Posted - March 12 2013 : 02:34:14 AM
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I wanna use the Radio Shack transformers for powering accessories on my future layout. I've seen them come in 12.6 volts and a 1.2 amp or a 3 amp configuration. Would Tyco and American Flyer operating accessories do OK on 12.6 Volts and the amperage changed to what usually powers them?
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - March 12 2013 : 07:43:24 AM
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I don't know how the accessories will work with the lower voltage, but the amperage will be lower with the lower voltage.
Voltage is like pressure (think of psi) and amperage (current) is like gallons per minute. The higher the pressure, the more current flow .. lower pressure, lower current flow.
~ Dave
They're ALL toys
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Posted - March 12 2013 : 11:16:18 AM
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Unfortunately, most HO runs off of 14v DC, slightly higher than 12. It's enough to cause some loss of functionality, probably. Although some accessories use 18v AC, many of the lights run off of track power. And there aren't many commercial power packs out there that do 14 volts. There are some, but very few. I doubt you'd be happy with the operation at 12.6 volts.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - March 12 2013 : 11:55:55 AM
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how about just using a old power pack connected to a power strip so you can turn it off?
There is a connector thing you can use but I'll have to find it & get a pic to show what I mean
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Posted - March 12 2013 : 12:35:17 PM
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I also seen some that go up to 25 Volts AC. I could do some math and use a resistor in the circuit. It's something I thought of, just not sold on it.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - March 17 2013 : 06:51:19 AM
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Justin,
I use all sorts of DC power packs..............anything from 9.6 volts to 18 volts DC up to around 3 AMPS......IF issues should arise, use a voltage regulator of some sort, multiple diodes back to back, to create voltage, OR a actual voltage regulator that will sustain "X" amount of voltage as long as "Z" amount of voltage going into it doesn't drop......These work pretty well for under layout applications, BUT, be sure to mount them to some sort of "Heat Sink" as they will create some heat, and allow it to have a "cooling space" so that air circulates around the heat sink.....Aluminum, works best for this!
Also, I use all sorts of electronic components....from computers! The power supply to an old computer that has mother board issues and is to old to make it workable any longer works well for 12 volt AND 4 volt, if you pay close attention to the wiring coming out of it! I'd have to look to be sure, but the AMPS aren't that great, that you would have to worry about it, and if you would "tie" the 12 volt and the 4 volt together into 14 volts, and add in a rectifier, you can add a Pot switch, or a Reostat to it and you got a power pack to control train speed!  With these, don't forget a "directional switch" too, to change train locomotive direction.......(Here, I could go into all sorts of intense electronics to make a computer power supply be just like an old MRC Tech 2 or 3 power pack! I can also get that same power pack to power lighting and turnout motors and man let me tell ya all sorts of other neat things......BUT, you have to have a supply of parts, and some knowledge of how a train power pack works! I'll just leave it at that!
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid...
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
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Posted - March 17 2013 : 08:49:32 AM
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I built my own power supply using a Radio Shack transformer. I got the plans from an issue of Model Railroader. It's actually a throttle. So it has more features than just for accessories. Point being, I'm sure there is something out there readily available. You only need a constant supply of DC voltage from an AC wall outlet.
I suppose you could take the MRR throttle and remove some circuitry until it gave just a steady voltage.
If I ever have a layout, for my accessories, which will mostly be building and street lights, I'll will try to buy an off-the-shelf converter.
Unspoken expectations are premeditated failures.
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