As this layout evolves, I am contemplating getting some battery powered xmas animated small displays at walmart. I saw some last year that run off a watch battery in store so you can test them
Question 1 is can I hook these up to a DC supply rather than run them off battery.
2nd question. What's a cost effective DC SUPPLY, if applicable
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The cheapest power supply would be computer power supply. 300+ watts with 12v, 5v, and 3v available, for around $20 used from a computer repair shop. I have one, if you are interested. You need to know the voltage requirements for the accessories, as you may have to adjust voltages through a buck converter to get there.
If the display is battery powered, it needs some multiple of 1.5 volts - count the batteries to determine the voltage (ex: three batteries would be 4.5v).
There are thousands of wall wart DC supplies on the market. Lemax, Dept 56, Menards, etc. make DC supplies at 1.5, 3, and 4.5v for their Xmas village devices. Verify the voltage, amperage, and barrel plug size against your display. Jameco.com is an electronics supply house that specializes in power supplies. Plus there is the river and bay sites.
I keep a collection of power supplies from discarded electronics. The output voltage and max amperage are printed on the label. Cell phone chargers provide 5v (usually regulated). You may have to cut the cable end and determine the positive and negative wires with a multimeter if the connector doesn't fit your device.
Thanks everyone
John I will let you know if I need it.
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