Using a Powercab, if I require 12 volt DC what do I need

Hi All.  As a DCC Modeller I use a Powercab, but as good as it is, it doesn’t have a 12 volt output. But I have some 12 volt DC lights . Would some kind Modeller please tell me, how to get a 12 volt supply.  Best wishes k Kevin 

Kevin

Search: 805 results found for "power supplies" - Hattons Model Railways

or look for the equivalent in the UK
12V DC 5A Desktop Power Supply PortableFridges | Jaycar Electronics

Hi Ron. Thank you for your reply. I have just looked at those, the Hattons one was only dealing with 16 volt output and I couldn’t make sense of the second one. As it happens, I do have a 12volt controller from Bachmann that I run non DCC Locos with. But I thought that there may be some type of adapter to I could build into the baseboard, and even connect to the Bus Wires.  Best wishes Kevin 

The 16vAC output can be rectified & fed into a 12v regulator
Or get a laptop type supply an example
AC240V to DC12V Power Supply Adapter Charger Converter AU Plug 5.5mm*2.1mm 1-5A | eBay

Hi Ron    Thank you again. I have a “ wall wart “ for 12 volt output “ on another plank, now I know I will research a 12 volt regulator.   Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Ron.  This is another reply. I have just had another look at the Powercab manual, for the output which it actually states is 12.5 VDC ,and all the time I have been under the misapprehension on voltage. As I was led to believe that DCC used 16 volts AC. Or is that a different system that nobody’s told NCE about???  Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Kevin

DCC systems will usually run on either DC or AC.

I prefer DC myself, having blown up two Lenz systems when the AC transformer over delivered.

DC for my money is a much safer choice, as if it is regulated to a Voltage, it can never exceed that number.

Because AC alternates between 24 (or more), Volts on the sine wave, there is a risk of the DCC system getting more than it bargained for.

Cheers

Hi Max.  Thank you very much.  Since my return to model railways, after such a long break, It seems to be getting more complicated. There is so much misinformation about them. That it is my reason for joining YMRC. And getting straight answers from yourself and all the members.   Best wishes Kevin 

Kevin, the Powercab manual states input voltage is 13.5VDC Regulated so you would not use that for LEDs .


The "wall wart" you have would do the trick for LEDs - remember to have a resistor in series with 3v LEDs

To be honest - the best place to get DCC info is from the appropriate Internet forums for those systems such as
Lenz       Yahoo | Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos
& NCE   NCE-DCC@groups.io | Home

Hi Ron. Thank you again. I will learn one day.  Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Ron. I have signed up to the Powercab group as you suggested,and replied to their email, but I don’t know how to submit my question. I will probably work It out soon. Best wishes Kevin 

Kevin, in the website NCE-DCC@groups.io | Home
on LHS is a button called New Topic

click on that and away you go.

Your membership needs to be approved by a moderator first Kevin, before you can post.

I've signed up too, just in case and also to discover how best to use the system.

Bill

Hi Bill   Thank you. I had better wait and see.    Best wishes Kevin