me again sorry   .  I just got a cdu unit for my points , if I get the power for the cdu off my   gaugemaster  controller, how do I power my lights that im putting in buildings ? do I need some kind off unit for that to ?  hope you understand this  … cheers bob






 

Hi Bob. I normally use old phone chargers to power LEDs on layouts. I try and use a separate power source for the lighting and find there's normally one or two kicking around the house. You will probably need to use resistors depending on the number of LEDs you are using and the level of power supplied. Sorry for brief answer but trying to type on mobile phone but I'm sure an expert will be along shortly with a more thorough answer with links etc

Hi Bob,

I think you should use a separate power source for your lights. I have three supplies for my layout,

1 for point motors
1 for the track
1 for accessories ( lights etc )

I think you could pick up a small wall wart type power supply relatively cheap or as others may suggest, use an old laptop power unit maybe.

Cheers

Toto

Hi Bob

If your still using the Gaugemaster Model D you have shown in some of your pictures, you can use the connections marked '12v DC' as output for any lights and the connections marked '16v AC' as output for the CDU/points.

(For those who haven't got or seen one, the other two outputs on a Model D are marked Track 1 and Track 2)


Ed

Hi Bob,
          I agree with what has been said about using separate power supplies. I`ve used an old second hand cheapy Chinese train set controller ( absolutely gutless performer ) to run my LEDS. I guess it`s top power would be around 9 volts @ b****r all amps, however I`ve turned the control knob down to about three volts to ease the load a bit on the resistors. The resistors will handle the full power but I like to dim it down a bit and have that degree of control over the intensity of the lighting. These old transformers are OK for a test track I guess but, you wouldn`t use them to operate your railway proper. It handles the LED`s easily and I guess if their intensity drops when I increase their numbers, I`ll just crank it up another volt or two ???
:cheers  Gormo

[user=1338]Ed[/user] wrote:

Hi Bob

If your still using the Gaugemaster Model D you have shown in some of your pictures, you can use the connections marked '12v DC' as output for any lights and the connections marked '16v AC' as output for the CDU/points.
Ed

Ed, I'm not too sure about the Gaugemaster, but we put a meter across our H & M duet '12 volt DC' outlet, and it showed 15 volts. I know this was unloaded, and no problem for LEDs with resistors, but enough to blow filament bulbs.

We have found that old phone chargers (picked up from charity shops for 25p) give out 5 volts and are great for both bulbs and LEDs. If 5 volts is not enough, you can easily find higher values. 9 volt plug-in transformers seem quite common.

The lights on Kilgerran (pictured below) are a mix of bulbs on the platform and LEDs in the buildings. All run from one 5 volt phone charger.

HTH
Shaun.