Miller Engineering sign question

It's my understanding (I have 10 of his signs) that they require 4.5V

I have a variable Radio Shack 1A wall wort set to 4.5V and Chris said it would handle up to 10.

- walt

From Miller's power circuit instructions: Animated signs draw 180 ma and need 4.5 V DC.

See a couple of sign installations .

Why not contact MILLER"?  He has all the answers for his SIGNS. AND he is a pleasure to deal with!!!

FREDSTRAINS

"From Miller's power circuit instructions: Animated signs draw 180 ma and need 4.5 V DC."  Interesting comment Susan.

Since my R.S. wall wort is only 1A, wonder why Chris told me that it can handle up to 10 signs since 180ma x 10 = 1.8A.

- walt

We'll, I'm going to hook it up and see if 4.2 is enough. Beside these wall warts tend to put out more than what is printed on the device.

This may clarify:

from Miller's Website page at bottom of page.

"AC adapters
Now you can replace the 3 AAA battery pack that comes with your
kit and use one of our wall mount AC adapters. Available in 2 sizes.

#4802 - 4.5volt AC/DC adapter, will
run up to 3 signs
 #4802 4.5 volt AC adapter     $7.95  
   
#4803 - Large 4.5volt AC/DC
adapter, will run up to 10 signs.
 #4803 - Large 4.5 volt AC adapter     $16.95  

 #4804 Converter Module   (circuit board)
#4804 - Converter module. This unit
will replace your battery pack. It will let
you run your signs off track voltage or
your power pack. Accepts an input
voltage from 5 to 17 volts, AC or DC
and outputs the required 4.5 volts for
our signs. Will run up to 6 signs."

Thanks Susan.  I do feel better now since I'm at 10 signs!

- walt

I hooked it up to two signs and it works great

Did you use your 4.2 vdc wall wart????  I'd like to know if 4.2 is enough umph. 

thanks TMack - walt

Walt - It works with two signs hooked up.  Not sure if I am pushing too hard with only 300aAh, but figure that as the 3AAA batteries get lower than 4.5 the signs still work to a point.  It is an old Phone charger rated at 4.2vdc output.  Now that I know that the LEMAX chargers are 4.5vdc output,  I'll probably pick one of those up so I can get more signs.

-Ted

TMack: if you're liking the signs, I imagine you might get a few more.

I power 10 with a 1A variable output (set at 4.5V) transformer that I got from Radio Shack.  It's regulated, which is extremely important relative to protecting the signs' electronics. 

I worked with Chris when I blew out the first 2 that I owned.  I was actually using HIS wall wart - the earliest version, not his newer redesigned one.  It was NOT regulated.  After examining my signs and electronics his only explanation was that the electricity coming into my house must spike and if the light is on when that happens, it's see-you-later sign.

I have not had a problem since I got the RS one.

- walt