Large Scale Central

A $25.00 24 Vdc, 6.5 amp power supply?

General Discussion
#1

Not savy in electronics, can this item be of use as a power supply? The unit does not come with a controller.

All Electronics Corp., Van Nuys, Calif., lists in their newest print catalogue, a Potrans FS 1-5024-1M power supply.
The description is a “24Vdc, 6.5 amp, 150 W switching power supply, with over voltage, over current and temperature protected.” $24.95 each.

Is this unit adaptable to our use?
www.allelectronics.com
1-800-826-5432

I am currently using the Aristo (Crest) 10 amp supply with three Aristo controllers.

Wendell

#2

Yes, it will work fine. Its made by Meanwell. I picked one up on eBay awhile back for $11 (+$5 shipping). You need a power cord and a box to stick it in (I use an old Tupperware container with holes drilled in it). I use it with an Aristo 10 amp controller for temporary layouts.

Here’s the same one -
http://cgi.ebay.com/24V-DC-6A-145W-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ230263213777QQihZ013QQcategoryZ58288QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
and a 15 amp -
http://cgi.ebay.com/24V-DC14-6A-350W-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ350071577424QQihZ022QQcategoryZ58288QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
-Brian

#3

Brian, are you trying to tell me that a power cord and a small, ventilated (not fanned :smiley: )metal box run the price up to over $150.00? I had no idea!

madwolf

#4

Well, it doesn’t come with a warranty!

-Brian

#5

Brian-
Thanks!
There’s obviously a big savings vs. the Crest unit.
Your reference shows a 24Vdc 14.6 amp unit with fan. That would power any size railroad.
Apparently, if correct, all that is needed are the Aristo controllers.

I hope more read this who are frustrated by the high power supply prices (try Bridgworks’ excellent units and their pricing).

Wendell

#6

I sure wish I had seen something like this before I bought my Crest power supply. It dawned on me when I received my Crest that it clearly resembles a battery charger.
Then I started scouting alternatives for the next power supply.
Ralph

#7
Brian Donovan said:
Well, it doesn't come with a warranty!

-Brian


Who cares?.. at that price buy 2, keep the other stored in a drawer. :smiley:

#8

Ive been using a meanwell something-something 320 (24 volts at 10 amps). It’s been rock solid and it was left outside in vented a plastic box all winter. I also have another meanwell, a 7 amp 24 volt unit, that was also left outside all winter and did fine, although it tended to trip its circuit breaker.

I forget who hipped me to these units on MLS–it might have been Brian. It’s a great alternative to paying for Crest or (gulp) Bridgewerks. True, you have to install a power cord and there’s no on/off switch–big deal!

#9

I have 2 of those.

They’re likely warranted by the mfr.

#10

Go RCS with batteries and avoid all that stuff.

#11

Further…
The Aristo controllers I purchased four years ago were rated, according to the hobby supply, at only 5 amps. I have had no problems with either of the three units I use.
Is there a replacement available outside the model RR hobby pricing that is equal to or better than what is offered by Aristo-Craft?
Brian, what do you use for controllers?

Thanks,
Wendell

#12

I used to use an aristo 10 amp controller, but then went to the 75 mhz onboard system. I still use the 10 amp controller to bring the voltage down to 20 volts, to set the polarity, and for the fusing. I just set it to about 3 o’clock and leave it. One downside of the 10 amp controller is it has a noisy fan. But I put mine in the same plastic box as the meanwell, and barely hear it

#13
Wendell Hanks said:
Further... The Aristo controllers I purchased four years ago were rated, according to the hobby supply, at only 5 amps. I have had no problems with either of the three units I use. Is there a replacement available outside the model RR hobby pricing that is equal to or better than what is offered by Aristo-Craft? Brian, what do you use for controllers?

Thanks,
Wendell


I use a 10 amp one. I believe Aristo is coming out with a 15 amp version to go with their 13 amp Elite power supply.

-Brian

#14
mike omalley said:
I used to use an aristo 10 amp controller, but then went to the 75 mhz onboard system.
Mike, how is that onboard system working out for you? I've heard of some folks having problems with reception and interference when using the 75mhz system.
#15

It’s working well. My layout is not huge, but I’m getting range of 40-50 feet with no trouble. I don’t really need more than that, so I’ve never tested it beyond that. The response to the controls isn’t always consistent–sometimes the “slow” button works faster than others–that is, sometimes it slows down more quickly than other times.

I have 75 mhz units installed in an aristo pacific, an aristo mikado, a bachmann annie, and an old LGB mogul I kitbashed into a Thomas the Tank Engine for my daughter. They all can be operated from one transmitter. The Mikado gets the worst reception, I think because the antenna is inside the boiler shell. On the others I have the antenna running either along one of the handrails or on a tube. But it’s adequate with the Mikado.

It’s worth noting that Aristo is not going to be making any more 75 mhzs though–I remember reading on the Aristo forum that they can’t get some components any more. They’re bringing out a new 2.7 gig that’s supposed to be fabulous etc etc. It’s annoying. If I were starting from scratch I’d go with Airwire and the QSI controller–built in sound

Also it’s fairly sensitive to dirty track–it stutters and slows down. A few passes with the cleaning car generally take care of it.

#16

I’ve had good luck with my Meanwell power supply (similar model) for several years now. Nice and small and lightweight. That is a great buy! If you need one I’d jump on it. Actually, the item I see on the AllElectronics site is a “Portrans”, not a Meanwell. I’ve never heard of them, but I’d still go for it.

#17

I have an AC unit with a DC converter, but I like this unit better considering its already been tested by forum members. At this price I won’t worry as much about leaving it outside.

#18
Del Tapparo said:
I've had good luck with my Meanwell power supply (similar model) for several years now. Nice and small and lightweight. That is a great buy! If you need one I'd jump on it. Actually, the item I see on the AllElectronics site is a "Portrans", not a Meanwell. I've never heard of them, but I'd still go for it.
I looked closely at the picture and it appears to be the Meanwell restickered with "Portrans" labels.

-Brian