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 Posted - November 10 2014 : 01:00:40 AM
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I have seen some subjects on here about transformers and which ones are best. I would like someone who knows and handles trains a lot to steer me towards a transformer that can handle a lot of accessory lights as some of you know I have. I can only use 16 lights per transformer using the Tyco ones. This leaves me using at least a dozen for the planned lights for my layout. IS THERE ANY , that will power a bunch of my lights safely so I don't have to use so many ?? Thank You, Guys!
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Posted - November 10 2014 : 01:13:28 AM
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The is always MRC.
I have a MRC 760 on my layout but no accessories hook up yet, I bought it because it looked like it could handle anything I threw at it.
most of these will tell you the output in the details.
http://www.trainsetsonly.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=POWER-SMALL&Per_Page=12&Sort_By=disp_order&Store_Code=TSO&CatListingOffset=0&Offset=0
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/DC-Power-Supplies-HO-N-Z-Scales-s/780.htm
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Posted - November 10 2014 : 08:07:07 AM
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The biggest problem is figuring out HOW much power you need. So, if you have 100 small bulbs, say 2 watts each, that's 200 watts. Here's a formula for figuring out the amperage of the power supply you need :
DC watts to amps calculation formula
The current I in amps (A) is equal to the power P in watts (W), divided by the voltage V in volts (V):
I(A) = P(W) / V(V)
So amps are equal to watts divided by volts.
amp = watt / volt
or
A = W / V
Using that formula, if you have 100 bulbs at 2 watts each, 200 watts total, would be 200 / 14 = 14.xx amps, so roughly 14 amp power needed. Now, those little bulbs are probably much less wattage, I was just guessing. I'd suspect maybe 1/2 watt or less. But once you figure out how much you need, you can then acquire a power supply that can handle that. You can get a much larger supply, and fuse the output power so that they can only draw so much before popping the fuse, or you risk the wiring burning up if there's a short. That's what fuses are for. Limit the current draw before damage is done. So you could run multiple output wires to each group of lights, and fuse accordingly. That would be my suggestion.
Jerry in VA
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - November 10 2014 : 08:29:15 AM
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This is NOT the voice of experience, so take it for a starting point and not a final solution.
I understand that, in the DCC world, there are power supplies that handle large amperage. Most DCC systems also have hair-trigger circuit breakers, though I don't know whether they're part of the power supply or the control system. It might be something to look into.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - November 10 2014 : 1:18:49 PM
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| If I were you, I would consider changing the bulbs to LEDs. They only need 3 volts at 20 milliamps of power. The onlly consideration with using LEDs is that you have to limit the voltage and amperage to keep from burning them out. However, they do last a LONG time and do not generate a lot of heat. Just my two cents on it.
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Posted - November 10 2014 : 4:58:59 PM
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| Thank You, to all who have replied....
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Posted - November 14 2014 : 11:29:00 AM
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Walt:
Get an old PC power supply. You get 12v DC across the yellow and black and often 15 amps or more, and they're super cheap and easy to get.
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Posted - November 14 2014 : 5:17:34 PM
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quote:Walt:
Get an old PC power supply. You get 12v DC across the yellow and black and often 15 amps or more, and they're super cheap and easy to get.
Originally posted by Autobus Prime - November 14 2014 : 11:29:00 AM
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And, Autobus, you forgot to mention, you must jumper the green wire to a black wire (gnd) to bypass the auto-sense function, and get the power supply to work. But that's an easy thing to do. 
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - November 14 2014 : 6:19:37 PM
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how about a cheap Tyco transforrmer?
I'd unplug it everyday or put a off switch on it 
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Posted - November 14 2014 : 6:25:42 PM
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quote:how about a cheap Tyco transforrmer?
I'd unplug it everyday or put a off switch on it
Originally posted by microbusss - November 14 2014 : 6:19:37 PM
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Yeah I would definitely unplug it. I have one mounted on my test track, it hums when its on to the point where you'd think it might not be such a great idea to leave it plugged up.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - November 14 2014 : 7:39:30 PM
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Some of the MRC power packs really have some power. I think i like the MRC 1278 duel action. I hate to change packs from Tyco but I have to. I have a half dozen in use already and I still have at least 125 more lights... Won't use all of them though...
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Posted - November 14 2014 : 7:42:29 PM
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quote: quote:Walt:
Get an old PC power supply. You get 12v DC across the yellow and black and often 15 amps or more, and they're super cheap and easy to get.
Originally posted by Autobus Prime - November 14 2014 : 11:29:00 AM
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And, Autobus, you forgot to mention, you must jumper the green wire to a black wire (gnd) to bypass the auto-sense function, and get the power supply to work. But that's an easy thing to do.
Jerry
Originally posted by AMC_Gremlin_GTÂ -Â November 14 2014Â :Â 5:17:34 PM
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Yes, I guess you do. :D I think the one I used to use was an old AT power supply without all them newfangled colors...
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