Which Particular Malibu Or Other Landscaping Style Transformer Do You Use To Power Accessories?

This looks like one model:

       https://www.usalight.com/Malib...1-p/8100-0200-01.htm

Is this the type of transformer being used by Forum Members.  If so, do you just cut off the connector at the end of the output wires, and attach the two wires to the bus bars or terminal strips to distribute the power?

I have used the 300 watt vesion for some time now with good results. The only thing I noticed is that the output comes up a little short of 12 volts for some reason. More like 11.5 vac or thereabouts. Dont know if this is typical or not.

The 200 watt unit as shown should handle 15 amps total load @ 12 vac nominal output, so you will be able to run lots of accessories. Just remove the connector and hook up to you distribution bus. Polarity is not important, but if you are going to use track ground common for any of the accessories then you need to put this in phase with your track power transformer.

Rod

Thanks Rod!  That is very helpful information.  Do you find that the voltage "shortage" limits the utility to you?  I would suspect not in many circumstances, which is a good thing.

You can get a pc power supply for a lot less money that will serve the same purpose. $0 out of an old computer, $15 to $20 for used at a computer repair shop, or this 750W one from Walmart for $28. And, you get a super fast breaker. Most have 12v, 5v, and 3v taps. It is dc, but will run all but a few older accessories.

Thanks John!

That's a very interesting alternative.

I use the venerable Lionel 1033 90 watt transformer for lighting. This way the voltage and the lighting levels can be adjusted. For LED lighting I just just use tiny $1 A/C /DC converter boards on each.  Works well.

Thanks Dennis.  That may be the simplest option given its size, and that I still have my original from my first set.

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

Thanks Rod!  That is very helpful information.  Do you find that the voltage "shortage" limits the utility to you?  I would suspect not in many circumstances, which is a good thing.

Dennis, I actually use a Powerstat on the primary side of the Malibu to increase the supply a little so as to get the 12 vac out. I use it in moderation because the Malibu starts to hum noticeably at about 130+ vac input, but it never gets even mildly warm.

JohnH's suggestion of old computer power supplies is a good one. I use 3 of these scattered around the layout. They have nice quiet fans that are controlled to speed up when heavily loaded. The 12 vdc outputs typically are 20-30 amps each, so they can run a bunch of stuff. They are also a good supply for the small DC-DC buck converters for local lighting, signals and such. The 5 vdc outputs are good for Miller signs, which as you likely know come with 3 cell 4.5 vdc battery holders. Don't think I have anything using the 3.3 vdc outputs.

Rod

Thanks Rod!  Also very helpful.

John H posted:

You can get a pc power supply for a lot less money that will serve the same purpose. $0 out of an old computer, $15 to $20 for used at a computer repair shop, or this 750W one from Walmart for $28. And, you get a super fast breaker. Most have 12v, 5v, and 3v taps. It is dc, but will run all but a few older accessories.

On the Walmart Model:

      EVGA 500B Bronze Power Supply

How do you know which of the output wires to use, and if you cut off the male plug will there just be a positive and negative wire?  Thanks for the info!

If you want to pursue this method, check out this thread. As usual, Gunrunnerjohn comes up with a great solution.

Thanks John!  Gunrunnerjohn has been very helpful to me over the years through this Forum  Plus, the assistance of you and the other Forum Members is also invaluable in working on portions of a layout that are not even remotely in my wheelhouse.  

The computer power supplies are good and you can even find molex connectors if you don't want to snip off the plugs. Also HO "power packs" are a dime a dozen on EBay and work well too.

I use a Malibu outdoor 12V lighting transformer with timer and light sensor.

I use it to control the lighting on my layout such as street lamps, and building lights (inside and out)

It is run completely independent of anything else.  Since mt layout is visible, and almost a nice piece of furniture, the lighting on it turns on and off, even if I am not using the layout.  A neat effect.

This Transformer looks interesting because it nominally has a choice of voltages  accessible by the selection of output wire placement.  The description states that it is a "300W Multi Tap Stainless Steel Transformer - 12V - 15V."  

The wiring instructions are very helpful in understanding how to connect the transformer, as shown in Drawing #4 toward the bottom of the instructions:

       "Connect wires as shown in Drawing #4 one to the ̈COM ̈ and the other to12VFor longer wire run chose higher voltage the best voltage should be between 11-12V."

       https://www.bestprolighting.co...0W600W900WManual.pdf

This will make it simple to connect the layout accessory wiring as it involves the same 2 wire connections that I am familiar with on my Lionel transformers.

Here is there actual transformer model:

I use 12 VDC for lighting (Micromark 33 amp power supply).  I've converted all my buildings, street lights, bumper lights, etc to LEDs.  I use 14 VAC for most accessories, signals and switches (28 V CT transformers). I dim some street lamps using those dollar motor controllers sold on the bay. I have Z500s and a Z1000 providing dedicated power to TIU's, trolleys and some accessories which work better on 18 VAC. Two ZW's provide power to the tracks.

Thanks Steve!  It looks like you are using this model:

       https://www.micromark.com/Inst...502-power-supply.pdf

On a jocular note the WARNINGS are definite attention getters...I suspect it's not a good idea to become conductive material for the primary coil!

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

Thanks Steve!  It looks like you are using this model:

       https://www.micromark.com/Inst...502-power-supply.pdf

On a jocular note the WARNINGS are definite attention getters...I suspect it's not a good idea to become conductive material for the primary coil!

Yes, that it.  Works great.  Since it can output 33 amps, I've fanned out the output into four different buses  I use a 4 pole relay to switch the output power ON/OFF. A switch on my control panel controls the relay.  When I turn on the layout, the DC power supply is energized but no output to the layout until I hit the control panel switch.

Would the classic lighting and lighted accessories by Lionel (lamp posts, rotary beacon, light towers, etc.) operate the same on either DC or AC power?  I presume as long as the accessories have no motors that it wouldn't matter, but am not sure. Thanks!

Rotary beacon needs AC. Any lighting will work either way. Older crossing gates are quieter on DC.