One of my accessories requires more voltage than the others. Other than using a separate transformer, is there a way to increase the voltage for this one accessory?
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You can use bridge rectifiers or diodes,shown here
Or in some cases convert to DC if the accessory will accept it with a bridge rectifier and add a capacitor of sufficient size. Ac voltage is effectively increased to filtered Dc by 41%.
Dale H
Thanks for info Dale, will dig deeper into the link you provided.
Not trying to hijack the thread but this is an option that may be applicable (I have considered and not tried) for accessories needing a lower ac voltage but not sure how low (like the horse car / loader)... Have any of our experienced experts tried a potentiometer to vary voltage down from the common 14vac to exactly what the accessory needs?
Originally Posted by hokie71:
Not trying to hijack the thread but this is an option that may be applicable (I have considered and not tried) for accessories needing a lower ac voltage but not sure how low (like the horse car / loader)... Have any of our experienced experts tried a potentiometer to vary voltage down from the common 14vac to exactly what the accessory needs?
hokie71, nice layout name!
Dan
Originally Posted by hokie71:
Not trying to hijack the thread but this is an option that may be applicable (I have considered and not tried) for accessories needing a lower ac voltage but not sure how low (like the horse car / loader)... Have any of our experienced experts tried a potentiometer to vary voltage down from the common 14vac to exactly what the accessory needs?
The diode dropper is adjustable in .6 to .7 volt increments. It drops by a fairly steady predictable voltage regardless of the current load. A resistor will drop according to ohms law in the circuit. The voltage divider circuit equation can change when the accessory heats up and the load changes resistance, so it may work erratically. It still may work but you would need a pot of sufficient wattage and resistance. A 5 watt adjustable resistor set at 20% of its rating (for example a 10 ohm pot set at 2 ohms) becomes a 1 watt resistor,so you have to get the right pot of suitable ohms and wattage. The diode dropper takes little calculations. Just use diodes that can carry sufficient amperage for what you are doing.I use 8, 25 amp bridge rectifiers and some 6 amp diodes to make a complete train throttle to automate acceleration and deceleration for example on a train loop. They easily handle the 10 amp maximum load of a PWZW and are breaker protected.
Here is a picture of the board with relays and timers,
Click on to enlarge
Dale H
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