Quick ? re the tiny circuit biard you get with the gaugemaster plug in transformer

[Ighten]

On a small layout its great - you can run accesories from the 16v dc and the train runs from the 12v dc via lets say a gaugemaster W

 

So is it possible to also use that 12 v DC  at the same time to power LED strip lights ?

[AndyID]

If you already have the LEDs you could try it. If it does not work too well you can always get another power supply for the LEDs.

[Ighten]

Ive just realised an obvious flaw - the leds will dim and brighten as you power the train --- DOH

Edited July 18, 2021 by Ighten

[Brian]

Hi

Seems to be a bit of confusion... The Gaugemaster WM1 comes with a small circuit board that the WM1 plugs into. This circuit board provides 2 separate outputs.... One of 16volts AC and another of 12 volts DC (Rectified AC via a small Bridge Rectifier on the board)  . Both can be used..  Normally the 16v AC would feed the input to a Hand held controller or small panel mounted controller while the 12v DC is used for anything else - in your case LED lighting. Therefore the 12v DC coming from the little board is continuous and is not altered by the controllers setting. 

The major problem is the total output which is rated according the GM at just 3/4 Amp (750ma) yet strangely the PSU label states "16v AC at 16 VA" which is 1.0Amp. Perhaps the bridge rectifier is low current rated on the PCB board?

 

So using the 16vAC to power a tiny layouts controller and the 12v DC to power a few LEDs shouldn't really cause too much of a concern.  Most modern small DC locos will only consume around 250 milliamp (1/4 Amp) and some even less.  

[Crosland]

WARNING the "12V DC" from the WM1 is not regulated or smoothed and is NOT 12V.

[Brian]

20 hours ago, Crosland said:

WARNING the "12V DC" from the WM1 is not regulated or smoothed and is NOT 12V.

Correct.  But only a real concern if powering Electronics or anything that requires a smoothed and stable  DC supply.  LEDs with suitable series resistors (e.g.1K to 1K5) will be fine, which is what the OP wanted. 

[kevinlms]

1 hour ago, Brian said:

Correct.  But only a real concern if powering Electronics or anything that requires a smoothed and stable  DC supply.  LEDs with suitable series resistors (e.g.1K to 1K5) will be fine, which is what the OP wanted. 

But it still comes from the same power source, so if for example the train shorts out, it will affect the LED brightness. It might not blow them, but they will probably go dimmer.

[Brian]

Yes of course a short will turn all power OFF unless the train controller can trip before the WM1 trips (unlikely!) or possibly dim them, but that is again not what the OP was asking and hinting towards. He was referring to the speed control knob turn off the LEDs!!!  Lets keep things on course or it just becomes a jumble of comments 

 

In fact by far the best is to let the WM1 operate the train (16v AC)  and have a totally separate DC power supply for the LEDs, But this is not the question that was asked and which is what I answered!   

Edited July 19, 2021 by Brian