Hi, am looking for transformers to power building lights - of which I have many and are over-loading a Z-4000. I like to be able to adjust output via handles or dials so I can dim lights and increase intensity, but cannot find anything other than constant output at Lowes. Are there any sources or am I stuck with having to use another Z-4000 or even a ZW - which are expensive per watt output?
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Paul,
Just an idea. On my old large layout, I used outdoor lighting transformers (like Malibu) for my lighting. They need a minimum load to operate, but were great in that 12 volt arena. I made a small panel with simple rotary dimmer switches, and ran the power thru those, then to the lights.
There are some really good buys here as compared to some of the toy train options.
EscapeRocks posted:Paul,
Just an idea. On my old large layout, I used outdoor lighting transformers (like Malibu) for my lighting. They need a minimum load to operate, but were great in that 12 volt arena. I made a small panel with simple rotary dimmer switches, and ran the power thru those, then to the lights.
David - that's neat. For the rotary dimmer switch - is this just one you buy at hardware stores - and then wire in the output voltage from transformer to dimmer - and then dimmer to lighting accessory terminal strip?
Paul Kallus posted:EscapeRocks posted:Paul,
Just an idea. On my old large layout, I used outdoor lighting transformers (like Malibu) for my lighting. They need a minimum load to operate, but were great in that 12 volt arena. I made a small panel with simple rotary dimmer switches, and ran the power thru those, then to the lights.
David - that's neat. For the rotary dimmer switch - is this just one you buy at hardware stores - and then wire in the output voltage from transformer to dimmer - and then dimmer to lighting accessory terminal strip?
That is what I did. When getting the transformers, make sure to check what the minimum operating current is. Most of the need a certain load before they'll kick on. Some of the more expensive "magnetic" transformers don't need a minimum wattage before working.
I used a few small transformers by Malibu, rather than one large capacity one. This gave me more varied control of scenes around the layout.
Back when I did this on my old, large layout, I actually had a couple with timers, and set the layout lights to come on at night. It was a neat effect.
If you are thinking $/Watt, you have probably observed that train transformers are typically in the $1/Watt range. The outdoor lighting transformers (Malibu, etc.) might be in the 20 cents per Watt range, your mileage may vary. But the biggest bang for the buck simply from the massive volume in PC or electronic gadgets would be DC fixed-voltage output bricks (12V, 18V, etc. DC) such as for PCs, laptops, printers, etc. which you should be able to find for 10 cents per Watt (or less) or may even have one sitting around from an obsolete gadget.
Then, you can use a DC PWM controller module off eBay for less than $2 shipped. You can hook up multiple PWM controllers to a single power supply to provide individual control to multiple power districts or whatever you want to call them. This photo from another thread about a similar topic. DC-in, chopped DC-out.
For a few dollars more, there are wireless remote control pairs that do the same thing. You have a small fob with a few button that remotely control the output of a PWM module. These are primarily used to remotely control the brightness of the 12V DC LED light strips.
If you indeed pencil out the numbers on using an AC-dimmer to adjust the effective output voltage of a landscape AC lighting transformer, I'd like to see the numbers. I realize Escaperocks apparently found a dimmer controller that works AFTER the AC voltage is already stepped down to 14V AC (or whatever) but make sure whatever AC dimmer you get indeed has that capability. Some require the incoming voltage to be the "full" 120V AC just from the way they are designed.
Paul Kallus posted:EscapeRocks posted:Paul,
Just an idea. On my old large layout, I used outdoor lighting transformers (like Malibu) for my lighting. They need a minimum load to operate, but were great in that 12 volt arena. I made a small panel with simple rotary dimmer switches, and ran the power thru those, then to the lights.
David - that's neat. For the rotary dimmer switch - is this just one you buy at hardware stores - and then wire in the output voltage from transformer to dimmer - and then dimmer to lighting accessory terminal strip?
Lighting dimmer switches are not designed to be used with transformer type loads. I'm surprised it works at all!
Just my 2 cents...
ed
I have been using my older Lionel transformers in the 40 to 60 watt range for building lights as it keeps the load off my main transformers. Most incandescent lights can be used on either AC or DC voltage.
I do not recommend using 120 volt light sets on the layout as it can be dangerous if a short occurs.
Lee Fritz
I second the use of a DC computer supply. The one I have has four 12vdc outputs each with integrated circuit protectors, plus there are 5vdc and 3.3vdc outputs which can be used with other devices such as the miller signs.
I recently abandoned my converted computer power supplies as sources for DC accessories for several reasons:
I recommend the purchase of commercial quality switched power supplies from an electrical supply house. Price isn't everything - safety is.
On the AC side of the house, I have 3 K-Line PowerChief 120F accessory transformers. They have a number of fixed outputs that can be configured. I like them.
George
I use two, MTH model Z-DC1 adjustable transformers for all the lights on the layout (one for the east half, and the other for the west half). I purchased them from our local hobby shop, some years ago, and they reportedly came from some MTH "Trolly Car Set". They are 17.2 - 19.2 Volts max, 47 watt. I have each one set at 10.5 to 11 volts DC for the various light circuits, thus the 12 volt bulbs will last a VERY long time.
eddiem posted:Lighting dimmer switches are not designed to be used with transformer type loads. I'm surprised it works at all!
I went to Radio Shack and they sell a power adapter with different tips. I used my adapter off my Z1000 connected to the tip and had power. The great thing about the RS adapter is you can set the voltage from 3.5 to 12 volts. I have it set to 7.5 volts to maintain long bulb life.
If your overloading a z4000 already, I think an automobile battery charger might be the easiest cheap way to get the amperage. But thats DC volts so you might need to reorganise some things for issolation (and some items need ac) The G crowd makes good use of them regularly and I don't recall any DCC issues being mentioned, so hopefully the one you choose is "clean enough" for being around ANY command system..?
If you can find a used Astron or similar ham radio power supply they ought to be great. The last one I had was 12v dc 50amp (13.7v no load). Only 5a less than my roll out Snap on battery charger switched to "start". Very steady, very clean...very heavy, lol 
Stans pwm boards and/or a vintage lionel rheostat for the variable. A new rheostat isn't cheap. One thing a rheostat does offer over the boards is the ability to use one control with more items on the circuit. Since the board has a 5a max. you'd need a bunch of them.
Most modern dimmers need full household voltage. An
....and I couldn't finish because the composer had a fascination with the word charger and wouldn't do any additional text except for between the a and r in charger...????... and after waiting for reloading, etc, I now forget what I was going to mention.....
I looked on e-bay at the various transformers Chuck and others mentioned - totally overwhelming - and I really don't know what to buy.
Can anyone point to a trusted supplier and say this or that will work? I'd rather not get involved in making custom controls - I have little mechanical skills and zero electronic skills.
stan2004 posted:eddiem posted:Lighting dimmer switches are not designed to be used with transformer type loads. I'm surprised it works at all!
He apparently found a dimmer that can be placed AFTER the lighting transformer output. So the load on the dimmer are the low-voltage lights themselves (not a transformer).
Thank you..
I just experimented with various pots until I found some that worked perfectly for my needs. It's part of the fun for me.
I've never had an issue with any sellers...the ones who are running a business either in China or the stateside shipping locations for China goods.
If you bought 0 to say 30 VDC adjustable plug in the wall supplies, how many amps do you need per supply. There are quite a few at 3 amps output for around $35 shipped. Anything else is pretty much something that you have to at least mount on a board and wire up.
How many and what output do you need?
For what it's worth, I found the OGR video Great Layout Adventures, Vol. 11 helpful. Bill Bramlage has over 10,000 lights on his layout. it's worth the price just for the watching. He describes some of his methods in the video.
I also say a pic power supply.
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