How well do common cellphone chargers work as voltage for Lionel accessories? I recall using a couple of 9-volt cellphone chargers to power a Walthers oil pump rig (worked great) and some other vintage Lionel accessory, but haven't had luck using them on a couple of other projects; not sure why. However, old, common Lionel cheap transformers work where the cell charger wouldn't, even at the same or less voltage...
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Most chargers these days are USB based, which is nominally 5 Volts. They are split up into two main categories for high power and low power devices. For example, an iPad is considered a high-power device. Some chargers and devices have some intelligence so that they are not overloaded and/or unable to charge the target device.
So, there is no universal answer to the question that you ask, without having more info about the load. However, if the accessory requires more than 5 Volts, it won't work well using a USB-based charger or power source.
-Mark
Some chargers need to have a readable battery voltage to deliver power properly, and that is why some cell phone chargers don't work.
There are too many cell phone chargers out there to give a more detailed answer.
Lee Fritz
A cellphone charger delivers only a few watts maximum power, and I suspect many accessories would find that insufficient power.
Cell phone chargers are usually rated for 1 amp at 5 volts. They are
cheap at $5 to $10. Some are well regulated and some are not.
They work very well to power Miller seigns from 110V outlets.
The only problem is connecting to the USB output.
I have a number of older chargers in a box, no telling what they are all from. If fact I was looking at them today to power a TIU.
The highest I found was an output of 12 volts, 800ma.
The voltage is right for a TIU, it does work, but the amps may be a little low. I think the recommended amps is 1.5 a.
Most of the other chargers are even lower milliamps.
You also have to watch out for the proper barrel plug some may be center + and some center -. you have to read what the sticker or molding states.
Dan
Cell phone chargers are usually rated for 1 amp at 5 volts. They are
cheap at $5 to $10. Some are well regulated and some are not.
They work very well to power Miller seigns from 110V outlets.
The only problem is connecting to the USB output.
I would never (well, not any more that is) use a power source for a Miller sign unless it was registered and regulated. Chris blames my losing of 3 of his signs to using an unregulated power supply. Which, incidently, I bought from him!!!!
- walt
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