Transformer Advice for Yard Lights

[thornabydemon]

Hi,

 

I have three Express Models yard lights, I am thinking of the best way to power them, initially (and electronics aren't my strong point) I thought of simply buying three different 12v adaptors and powering them up individually.

 

I then read a few bits and thought of buying a cheaper single track controller to power them up, question is can I power all three lights by simply using one single track controller? and by doing this will the speed controller effectively act as a dimmer?

 

Thanks in advance

Alex

[kevinlms]

Hi,

 

I have three Express Models yard lights, I am thinking of the best way to power them, initially (and electronics aren't my strong point) I thought of simply buying three different 12v adaptors and powering them up individually.

 

I then read a few bits and thought of buying a cheaper single track controller to power them up, question is can I power all three lights by simply using one single track controller? and by doing this will the speed controller effectively act as a dimmer?

 

Thanks in advance

Alex

I take it your talking about the tall tower lights? For those type of lights, I would suggest that you don't need an adjustable source, once you have found the correct light level. Cheaper train controllers aren't very good at supplying a REGULATED voltage & accidentally increasing the voltage could easily kill your new lights.

 

A plug plug pack like this

http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3310&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=1000#12

(obviously not this one with an Australian plug!), will give you a constant and safe lighting level - you could set it for 9 Volt or 12 Volt depending on your preference, sometimes 12 Volts is just a bit too bright. One with a 10.5 Volt choice would be better still, or put a couple of diodes on the output.

[Brian]

Hi

Two option spring to my mind.

Obtain a fixed dc voltage power supply like this example 12 volt regulated one...  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ORIGINAL-NEW-SECURICAM-PSU-12-VOLT-1-AMP-REGULATED-POWER-SUPPLY-FOR-CCTV-CAMERA-/371021145874?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_PowerAdaptors_SM&hash=item5662956712

or obtain an adjustable output voltage like this one .... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercury-661-401-Energy-Efficient-Switch-Mode-Power-Supply-1000mA-Variable-Output-/131245671638?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item1e8eda04d6

 

Note both these linked PSUs offer 1.0Amp output and are both Regulated. Regulated means the output voltage remains constant regardless of the load applied. (Up to its maximum of course).

 

There are others available with lower or higher current outputs too.