Skip to main content

5 replies

Need some advice on xformers please.

T thebeemanOGR Forum Member

I'm in my early planning stage of my 18' X 21' layout. Have a good layout RRT plan.  Waiting on Tim (Mianne) to get back with me with BW.  That being said, I will be running DCS, GG track, and RCS.  I plan on using 4 power(xformer) sources.  #1.   a pair of Lionel 180 w bricks for track power off my TIU.  #2.   a Lionel 6-81603 LionChief for my TIU aux power input.   The above I am comfortable with.  Below are the questions I need advice from you folks.

#3.   a power source for all of my building, operating accessories, lighting, and all other good such stuff.  #4.  a power source for my switch motors (using dz1000's).

I prefer to have different circuits for different purposes.  Less problems and headaches in the long haul.  All ideas, suggestions pros and cons, are needed from you guys so my tasks are much easier.  Please post.

Tommy

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

John HJohn HOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

For buildings and lighting, I would recommend a computer power supply. Most are 300 or more watts of DC power for a decent price. Used ones are in the $20 range on down to free. You have 12vdc for longer lasting incandescent lamps, a 5vdc tap that , with a diode, will power buildings and Miller signs that require a 4.5vdc power supply. The 12vdc also works for the led strips for building lights.

M MoonmanOGR Forum Member

#2.   a Lionel 6-81603 LionChief for my TIU aux power input.

I don't think that this will work. The LionChief wall pack output is DC. I believe the TIU requires an AC input for Auxiliary power. A Z500 brick works fine for this. I think you can find those on the used market as they come with starter sets.

See attached from page 99 of the TIU manual.

#3 & #4 - the Z-1000 brick has fixed AC voltage at 14Volts. These will work nicely for Accessory and switch motor power. They are rated at 5.5 amps, so will light quite a few buildings and lamps with incandescent bulbs.

I like used HO transformers for fixed DC circuits. Many use wall packs. I am not comfortable with using them.

Good to hear you are moving on with the build, Tommy. Long time, no hear.

 

Attachments

Hide
Files (1)
Last edited by Moonman
VThokie Steam FanVThokie Steam FanOGR Forum Member
John H posted:

For buildings and lighting, I would recommend a computer power supply. Most are 300 or more watts of DC power for a decent price. Used ones are in the $20 range on down to free. You have 12vdc for longer lasting incandescent lamps, a 5vdc tap that , with a diode, will power buildings and Miller signs that require a 4.5vdc power supply. The 12vdc also works for the led strips for building lights.

John,

  Do you use the negative voltage outputs from the power supply for anything, or is the positive voltage only usable? 

-Eric

Add Reply

Views: 395
Post

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!


    OR     


Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND  over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!



$12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×