Comments on: Question About 16V AC or DC Power Supply https://blog.model-train-help.com/2018/04/question-about-16v-ac-or-dc-power-supply.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=question-about-16v-ac-or-dc-power-supply Model railroads and model trains Tue, 15 May 2018 10:30:56 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Frank B https://blog.model-train-help.com/2018/04/question-about-16v-ac-or-dc-power-supply.html#comment-21847 Tue, 15 May 2018 10:30:56 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4786#comment-21847 The motor (solenoid) that operates turnouts requires a slightly large pulse of current to operate it.

Therefore another power unit is needed (if the supplied controller/transformer does not have an accessory output). One power unit will be adequate for all your turnouts. This is a standard accessory you can get from a model shop. (Or get a combined power / control unit with both track and accessory outputs.)

]]> By: Don Jennings https://blog.model-train-help.com/2018/04/question-about-16v-ac-or-dc-power-supply.html#comment-21671 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:55:03 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4786#comment-21671 George HI It is best if you have a power supply for train running and a power supply for accessories. The reason I mention this is because if only one power supply the train will jerk when the accessory is operated. That does not look great when it happens and you are running a train. The second power supply can and should be used for lighted track signals or interior building lights or control panel lighting.
I hope this answers your question. Good luck and MODEL RAILROADING IS FUN
Don

]]> By: Craig Ingham https://blog.model-train-help.com/2018/04/question-about-16v-ac-or-dc-power-supply.html#comment-21654 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 03:47:25 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4786#comment-21654 Typical ‘boxed’ set power supplies are higher than 12 volts. The issue of concern is what happens as you load the power supply. Typically, the supply will have a voltage drop if the load exceeds the current limit. Something to remember is the basic formula E (voltage) = I (current) times (resistance or load). Typical power supplies are current limited. As you ‘load’ the sstem, it reduces the output. This result is not linear.

I always suggest a seperate power supply for features such as turnouts (swiches). They will yypically perform well and not be influenced by how many engines or lighted cars are running. If one is intending on a major layout with many trains operating, I suggest looking at constant voltage power supplies.

Consider a typical 4 x 8 layout. Use a dual output power supply. One output for track power and the other for amenities.

]]> By: David Stokes https://blog.model-train-help.com/2018/04/question-about-16v-ac-or-dc-power-supply.html#comment-21647 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 02:48:17 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4786#comment-21647 I think that this is a nod to a problem with electrical shorting across the frog and points in a “switch” and is suggesting that the “frog” be isolated and to get its own power supply. Do you need a special piece of equipment – yes and no. I have heard of a product called the Juicer which helps do this, and DCC Concepts also has frog polarity changing/powering gizmos. But if you purchase Peco Electrofrog points and wire them in the recommended manner, no other equipment is necessary. DCC is very picky when it comes to detecting electrical shorts, where as DC or Analogue doesn’t seem quite so quick to shut down.

]]> By: Robert https://blog.model-train-help.com/2018/04/question-about-16v-ac-or-dc-power-supply.html#comment-21637 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:52:43 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=4786#comment-21637 Most power packs have 12-15V DC as well as a 12-16Volt AC outlet to power point motors etc.

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