I have an operating accessory I want to use that requires DC voltage. My source of power for all my accessories is my MTH Z4000. All the outputs be they track or accessory are A.C. Can I just install a converter (rectifier?) between the Z4000 output and my accessory and get DC power that way?
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Maybe something like this from Ebay. There are many more if you search ebay, maybe some more suitable to your specific needs. (I just did a quickie search and didn't really try to find you an exact item to fit your needs, it's just for ideas.)
Added later: I found some of these a year or so ago, but can't seem to find them again just now. They work well.
I have two Williams engines that I use a 6 amp 50 volt bridge rectifier for each engine and it works very good. The cost of a bridge rectifier is about $7.00 at Radio Shack.
Lee Fritz
You can use an ho power pack.
I have an operating accessory I want to use that requires DC voltage. My source of power for all my accessories is my MTH Z4000. All the outputs be they track or accessory are A.C. Can I just install a converter (rectifier?) between the Z4000 output and my accessory and get DC power that way?
Ralph, these are what I use; here.
They are small and inexpensive and wire in easily. I also use Z4000's for my layout, but I like to run semaphores, crossing gates, and other accessories that have solenoids, on DC because they are quieter. So I feed all my accessories off a Z4000, but I just put one of these little guys in the line to each crossing gate or semaphore. I just use small wire nuts to connect the wires to the four leads on the rectifier.
These are 6 amp which is probably way more than you need for each accessory. You can put several accessories on one of these, or look for cheaper ones - there are 3 amp rectifiers that go for half the price of this one.
A bridge rectifier in a radio shack project box is the easiest solution. It is an under $10 solution that will serve you for as long as you are in the hobby.
A bridge rectifier in a radio shack project box is the easiest solution. It is an under $10 solution that will serve you for as long as you are in the hobby.
Cheap, easy to use, solid and never had one fail at the voltage we use......
I use an HO transformer for my Atlas Oil Pump. I use several stepdown converters like the one linked on eBay on my layout. The stepdown converters are superior to just using a bridge rectifier as there is an adjustable POT so you can dial down the voltage to what you need. i.e. 4.5vac for miller engineering signs, 12, 9, or 3vdc for LEDs or adjusting the speed of a DC motor in an accessory. The stepdown converter is the better solution for items on your layout where the bridge rectifier is a better option for using LEDs in passenger cars For example.
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