Junior posted:...AverageV = PeakV * .637 16.7V = 26.2V * .637 ......... which is the value I DID use (matching what the voltmeter showed).
Am I on the right track here?
To be clear, are you measuring the DC voltage at the output of the bridge rectifier (i.e., between "+" and "-" terminals)? That is NOT the relevant voltage to measure. That voltage will be essentially double the voltage available to the actual switch motor and switch LEDs. Take you DC voltmeter and measure the voltage between the "+" terminal of your bridge and the outer-rail or "ground" voltage. I believe you'll see about 8V DC (instead of 16V DC). A DC meter reads the average voltage.
This may make you wonder how the switch machine can be working if there's only 8V DC. But that's 8V average and there are peaks of near 25V DC as you calculate. For the most part, switch machines are very quick to respond and the peaks are enough to make them work.
