Large Scale Central

Aristo train engineer

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Well I got my train engineer today. What a difference when operating trains with this rather then using the throttle that is stationary. I can control the train from inside or anywhere along the layout. Great investment.

My only problem was the way I had to hook it up. I am using an LGB 6amp 20V transformer. When I hooked up the 10amp aristo unit the LGB would trip. The only way around that issue was to hook up the throttle to the transformer. Turn the throttle all the way up. Then hook the aristo unit to the throttle and then to the track. How can I avoid having to hook up the throttle between the transformer and the aristo unit? Its not a big deal but it would be one less box in the house. My concern would be what if the throttle burns out how would make this work.

#2

That’s kinda weird. I don’t know anything about the LGB transformers and throttles. Is the output of the transformer AC or DC? If AC, that would be the problem. IF DC, be sure you have the polarity correct.

#3

Shawn,
Which Train Engineer did you get?
Are you trying to use both an Aristo 10 amp power supply and an LGB power supply together?
Ralph

#4

Try hooking it back to the power supply but reverse the polarity. Not the polarity of the neutron flow…

#5

I tried reversing everything and still the LGB trips. Jon It is AC and not DC. If that is the case is there anything I can do to replace having to use the throttle?

Ralph I got the CRE-55470 10 channel Train engineer walk - around control system. Im only using the LGB power supply. I dont have anyother supply.

#6
Shawn said:
I tried reversing everything and still the LGB trips. Jon It is AC and not DC. If that is the case is there anything I can do to replace having to use the throttle?

Ralph I got the CRE-55470 10 channel Train engineer walk - around control system. Im only using the LGB power supply. I dont have anyother supply.


Yes. Go down to Radio Shack and buy a Full Wave Diode Bridge Rectifier that will handle at least 10 amps. A couple of big electrolytic capacitors would be nice too to smooth out any ripple, but not required. I have no idea what values to use for caps. The Bridge Rectifier will have 4 terminals. Two labeled AC - hook them up to the transformer, and two labeled DC that get hooked to the TE. You may need a meter to figure out +/- or it might be labeled.

Just checked the RS web site: Catalog #: 276-1185 is a 25A Bridge Rectifier for $3.29

#7

Ah yes! Will definitely do that on AC.

#8

Adding only the bridge will produce a full wave, unregulated DC voltage, which can cause problems for some TE systems. To smooth out the ripple and reduce peak currents in the system, you should add some capacitors. A poorly regulated power supply will cause problems if you were to install On Board Train Engineer receivers in the engines. I would suggest at least 9,400µF ( two Radioshack 4700µF 35V 20% Axial-Lead Electrolytic Capacitors Model: 272-1022 | Catalog #: 272-1022 in parallel ). Note that the Caps are also marked + and -. For additional information: See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_rectifier for basic info on rectifiers and

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rectified_waves.png)

for wave form images. See http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/videos/55.html for a basic, unregulated power supply tutorial.

#9

Thanks for adding that Ken. I knew caps were important, but didn’t know how to pick the values. I suppose you could also get fancy and add a solid state regulator chip too. I think you would want somewhere around 24 volts.

#10

Jon,

Adding a regulator would be the next step, but the cost of the bridge, caps, regulator, mounting board, additional components for the regulator and box to put everything in exceeds the cost of buying a 24V @ 6.5A POTRANS POWER SUPPLY, Stock Number 16854 PS from MPJA for $14.95.

Everything is a tradeoff.

#11

Wow - That sounds like a great deal. Who is MPJA - got a link ?

#12

Jon,

Marlin P. Jones & Assoc, Inc. (http://www.mpja.com) is a discount electronics distributor. MPJA has several low cost 24 VDC Switching Power Supplies, some capable of supplying over 20 Amps, but the POTRANS P/N: FS-320C24-1M at @ 12.5A for $24.95 (while they last) has been a big hit with many model railroaders. The Link to the single output power supply page is: http://www.mpja.com/products.asp?dept=3&main=1 .

I have several OEM supplies for my operations, and I am using three of the 12.5 Amp supplies to provide track power at The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, World of Trains layout (http://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/exhibits-index.html).

#13

Thanks for all the help. I did get the bridge Rectifier 25 amps and works great. I dont think I will need to add the other things because I dont plan on ever adding anything else. If I do add more things I will get a better power supply. I like that deal for the power supply for 24 and change. I might pick one of those up to have around as a backup. Thanks

#14
Ken Klipple said:
Jon,

Marlin P. Jones & Assoc, Inc. (http://www.mpja.com) is a discount electronics distributor. MPJA has several low cost 24 VDC Switching Power Supplies, some capable of supplying over 20 Amps, but the POTRANS P/N: FS-320C24-1M at @ 12.5A for $24.95 (while they last) has been a big hit with many model railroaders. The Link to the single output power supply page is: http://www.mpja.com/products.asp?dept=3&main=1 .

I have several OEM supplies for my operations, and I am using three of the 12.5 Amp supplies to provide track power at The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, World of Trains layout (http://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/exhibits-index.html).


Ken im glad i ordered that power supply from that site. I went back it it is no longer available. Got it just in time.

#15

When I was last doing track power, I got 2 of these:

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PS-24150/24VDC-6.5A-150W-POWER-SUPPLY/1.html

They were $10 more expensive then.