A solution looking for a problem: Discussion of a powered buss.
I’m a sucker for these types of electronic devices. When a forum member pointed us to a new device he found, I immediately bought two to play around with. They couldn’t be considered cheap, at ~ $15, even from overseas. They do, however, provide a “buss” capability that is powered by either AC or DC, in our customary train voltage range of 4V-24V from any of three available sources. The ubiquitous 5.5/2.1mm barrel connector, screw type connectors, or square pin type.
The buss has a hookup for a switch so remote turn on/off is readily available. A slide switch provides three output voltages, direct(pass through), 12V and 3V, all DC of course. Added in is a pot for current control of the 28 output connections. As you see three different connection options are available with the supplied pigtails. Standoffs for mounting have been supplied also.
A couple drawbacks that immediately rear their ugly head is the fact that the current control is global on the buss. This is addressed somewhat, with the instruction that individual connections my be adjusted through resistors or your choice of other options. Additionally, the current handling capability is defined as “at or below the source current”. Perhaps or electronic advisors could provide a bit more guidance on precisely what this means.
If interested, take a moment to go through the information sheet and review the photos. I could see the powering of buildings from one source, such as a 4.5VDC wall wart or similar. Got a bunch of street lights to power? Or switch lights. Maximum Amp rating would be good to know, rather than what is stated in the info sheet. But as many of our AC xfrmrs are rated at around 10Amps, I wonder if this device could handle that.
Thx for your time, cuss or discuss at your leisure.
