Just received the Menard's Granpa's House. Love it! Great detail and quality. My question is, the directions say to use a 4.5v ac to dc transformer. But I use a small Lionel ac transformer to light all my buildings. Can I use this transformer instead? Thank you!
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You would have to rectify the AC to 4.5VDC because of the led lights. They only work on DC(only work well, that is).
Read this thread for lots of ideas to get 4.5vdc from your AC transformer.
https://ogrforum.com/t...59#56756833214166959
Thanks John!
I found the best way to get a cheep well regulated source for DC voltages is to use a PC power supply.
They provide 5 VDC, 12 VDC, -12VDC as well as 9 VDC and all from a standard, UL approved 120 VAC source. I bought mien at Radio Shack but they can be found at multiple outlets.
Your going to have to get a little creative building your voltage distribution systems but you will end up with a safe air cooled voltage divider system with a built in cooling fan. The unit I have came with a chart to show the common return and voltage break out. Use a volt meter to double check your values.
Would something like this work? Universal Power Supply
That would work just fine, but it is a solution for one application only. My power supply could provide power for multiple needs. Not only that the big problem with the "Wall Warts" is if they get hit with a short then in most cases they are done. You have to crack open the case to replace the built in fuse.
I have done this a number of times, but I don't advise it. I even mounted a mini fuse holder on the side of a couple of bricks that I use for testing circuits but closing them back up can get a little problematic.
GG1, do you have a link for the type of power supply you're referring to? I'm new to this and I'm not sure what kind of ps you mean. Thanks! Ethan
emrlaw posted:Would something like this work? Universal Power Supply
If you're considering/asking about something that plugs into the AC wall outlet (120V) why not just get the Menards AC adapter which appears to be the same price.
PC power supplies as GG1Man is referring to also plug into the AC wall outlet (120V).
But if you're asking about converting low-voltage AC, (e.g., 14V or 16V AC) from the Output of a Lionel train transformer, then refer to the thread above per Cjack comment.
I'd like to have a toggle switch at my main control panel, so that's why I was wanting to use my Lionel transformer. I'm not sure how to turn the house on and off at the panel if I use a pc power supply.
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