Using battery power to trip switches

You forgot to mention what kind of switches you have and what level of functionality you want. So, all I can do is tell you my experiences and hope that might help you.

1. Some accessories work better on AC, some work better on DC, and for some it does not matter. I am not aware of any switch that needs AC in order to operate. So in theory a DC power such as a battery should be able to throw the switch. My experience with my FasTrack switches is that they function fine with a DC power supply, with one important loss of functionality. The remote control only shows one color. So when the switch is thrown for through traffic it shows green and when it changes, all lights on the control are off. Because of this, I do not use a DC power supply for my switches.
2. Battery cells are approximately 1.5 volts. If you buy a 9 volt battery, there are 6 cells packed inside the small case. So whatever voltage you need, divide that by 1.5 and that tells you how many battery cells you need. If you have non-derailing switches on older O or O27 track, you could be draining the battery if the train stops on the insulated rail and you shut down for the night. So you need to investigate that.

You asked if it is possible and the answer is absolutely yes, but it will be expensive and you could lose some functionality. There would need to be a good reason to want to do it.

You also asked how many switches could one battery pack operate and that question bothers me. Are you thinking about a centralized battery with long wires? There are voltage drops in the wire and you could have so many variables in your system that you can't possibly be thinking that someone could read your question and tell you how many batteries or how often they need to be replaced.

John. Sorry for the lack of information. I have started to convert my layout to battery power engines on dead rail. In doing this I was wondering if there was a possibility in having turn outs battery powered also . I run right now on gargraves phantom 3 rail with dz 1000 remote switches. I have 18 total . You are saying I would lose functionality running long wires and that I do not want. Additionally expense I am assuming would be the set up . I would use rechargeable batteries. I was also thinking of tying switches in groups with remote capabilities.  Not sure if any of my ideas can work . But thought I would ask. As you can tell I am no electrical guy.

Just some thoughts...

DZ1000 machines will not work properly with DC voltage...or batteries.  To actuate the motor, you would need to reverse DC polarity for each direction.  Also, the LED's, being polarity sensitive, would only work in one polarity orientation.  Too much bother.  Much easier to power properly/with AC supply (8-16 volts per Z-Stuff specs.)

Also, unless you are programming multiple simultaneous switch throws for routing purposes, most model railroad operators tend to actuate only one switch at a time.  In the latter case, ergo, the answer is 'not much' total power required.  And, unless your layout's switch locations span tens-to-hundreds of feet apart, I seriously doubt cable voltage drop would be significant for a reasonable buss size...say, #18 or #20.

I'm no "electrical guy", either.  But there are several such guru's lurking the forum.  Good chance they'll dazzle you with a more salient approach.

BTW...I applaud your interest in Dead Rail.  A few years ago...and a during a passing interest in Garden Railroading...I converted an LGB Mogul to Dead Rail using a packaged system.   It's AWESOME!  It was so much fun running that mogul down the carpet...NO RAILS...in front of the R/C counter at the LHS where I worked 20+ years.  It was with no shortage of envy that I was determined to be a part of the significant changes to especially R/C hobbies, the result of higher power density in smaller battery packages.

So, is it doable in O scale?  You bet!!  Coupled with the standards and competitive commonality of DCC/Sound, this nascent power/control area has too much potential to NOT try it.  Best of luck and enjoyment in pursuing your dream.  Keep us informed!

KD

What do you hope to gain from changing for power supply to batteries? Battery powered dead rail has several obvious benefits. Having to recharge a bunch of batteries and etc might not be worth it.

Dk. Thanks for your reply. I thought I would ask . My thoughts if I could run my entire layout with just batteries that would be awesome.  Trying to completely eliminate crawling under a layout would be just fantastic.  Yes I will keep trying to make that dream come true. As for dead rail WOW. I ran my first engine yesterday on battery powered deadrail.  She run flawlessly . I also ran it on hot rail with a legacy engine. No problems. Yes yes and YES to deadrail. I am going to use the RailPro system. Planning on building another BP Engine product is on the way. I am planning on converting all engine to battery power. Will be selling my cab2 and ZW-L transformer. Thanks again for you input.

@Scotie posted:

What do you hope to gain from changing for power supply to batteries? Battery powered dead rail has several obvious benefits. Having to recharge a bunch of batteries and etc might not be worth it.

Scotie. It's a dream to have has many benefits that are user-friendly.  I could start a list that I have found . One of the benefits is a member Ron045 who took his time to mentor me through my first battery installation.  Then it goes from there . If you run deadrail I think you will start seeing so much potential that it will have now and in future.