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My good friend, Jim Wedoff, before he became sick, had custom built for me the Bates haunted house & motel based on photos that I scoured from the internet. If I told you what he charged me you would likely call me very lucky, and indeed I am because it was about the price of one those Lionel 3-story structures that MTH used to make (I had bought structures from him prior to us becoming good friends and FWIW I try to keep him in good supply of my homemade Oatmeal Peanut Butter-Dark Chocolate covered raisin cookies - made with real Maple Syrup).

Sometime later, I found this "Bates Motel" electric sign as part of a multi-itemed package at a train show. At the time, I figured this was my find of the century. To avoid blowing it up or damaging it, I want to make sure I hook it up with the right power supply and current - I am guessing DC is safest to try first? I don't know if it was ever used before or what the white stuff is around the base, corrosion or maybe glue? It may very well already be broken; the two electrodes sticking out of the base may need to be plugged into some circuit that I don't have. Any hunches or suggestions? Thanks.

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Last edited by Paul Kallus
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Here is how I would handle it. First if you have a good multi-meter- first try to measure the resistance between the 2 leads.  Try swapping polarity when testing- this will possibly help identify if there is an LED or incandescent bulb- an LED being a diode- well it acts like a diode. Also, some meters- especially those using a 9V battery, may have enough forward voltage in the diode check mode to light a white single LED.

Again, the non-destructive and relatively safe way is a good DMM can tell you a lot. Especially if you swap polarity. If it has resistance in both directions- probably a bulb.

If it only conducts one direction- kind of points at it being an LED.

I'd then try something simple like a coin cell CR2032 battery- try it both polarities. If no light, try a slightly higher voltage of DC like 5V- but current limited. Then next, maybe a 9V battery.

Last edited by Vernon Barry

Also, using an HO transformer was not a bad idea, just concerned with how low the starting voltage and current could be- and if it was an LED- well it is really easy to blow up with just a quick shot of power. Hence- testing with a meter first to kind of get some idea what you are facing, then start low with one of the lowest sources- the common coin cell 3V CR2032. Then ramp up from there. But also, test both polarities- again, in case it was an LED.

Also, using an HO transformer was not a bad idea, just concerned with how low the starting voltage and current could be- and if it was an LED- well it is really easy to blow up with just a quick shot of power. Hence- testing with a meter first to kind of get some idea what you are facing, then start low with one of the lowest sources- the common coin cell 3V CR2032. Then ramp up from there. But also, test both polarities- again, in case it was an LED.

maybe he could test the transformer each time there's a change of the handle, before touching the leads to ensure what voltage is being delivered.

I think you implied this, just to be sure.

Last edited by Engineer-Joe

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