I am doing electrical now for a new layout and would like to have menards buildings and miller signs. Layout is 36' by 26'.
Is it best practice to run two bus wires around the layout and buy a switched 5 vdc power supply for it? How best to tab the bus and what r good sources for the supply and power cord?
Thx.
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A PC power supply has a 5vdc tap. Using a large diode at the source or a smaller one at each building would give you 4.5vdc that you need.
Menards also sells various wall warts and muti-tap/"Y" connectors for connecting more than one building to a single power source, so check those products out as well. I like to check the amp draw of each building before I buy it (they publish that in the description of each building) so I can calculate what I need.
Miler also makes a small board that uses a single power source but can operate several signs.
For tapping into the bus wire, I use these. Multiple sizes, I have used a ton of them, no issues.
I second John's recommendation. Most all PC power supplies are capable of over 20A on the 5vdc which is enough to power quite a few bldgs and signs. I used a large diode that could handle 30A and run that to a terminal block.
Thx. I have never used a diode. What is a good source? How does it attach? Do I size it based on desired voltage or power supply amps or is there a formula. Thx for the education
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