Large Scale Central

Looking for regulated 12v power supply

General Discussion
#1

I’m trying to find something to power the 16v grain of rice bulbs that I use for the lighting in my buildings. I had been using an old 18v Buddy L power pack set to about half power but it kept burning out bulbs.

A while back I bought a regulated power supply from an electronics dealer online. I discovered it did not come with a power cord and was apparently meant for use inside some sort of electronic equipment. I bought a 3-prong, three-wire power cord from Home Depot and connected it according to the instructions provided on another forum:

“L= line (normally black wire)
N= neutral (normally white wire)
Ground= ground (normally green wire)”

Finally got around to plugging it in, and it promptly shocked me. The only thing I was touching was the rubber “handle” part of the plug, so I don’t know how it could shock me, but it did. So I’m throwing the whole thing out and starting over.

I need to find a REGULATED, 12v power supply that already has a cord, and is not intended to be installed inside some piece of equipment.

Any suggestions?

#2

Wall warts are available in 12 volt switchmode format. They will provide up to about 1 amp.
If you need more amps there are a multitude of multi-voltage lap top power supplies that can be set at 12 volts.

#3

You would think with all the electronic technology being thrown around these days you should be able to make some kind of a circuit board to eliminate spikes and regulate your current. I have no experience with Buddy L but my guess it’s not very regulated? I can’t help Ray I can only troubleshoot and fix what others way more intelligent than me design.
Wait were talking trains and not automobiles!
:wink:
Tony…disappointed as I was waiting for one of your magical answers on circuitry!!
:slight_smile:

#4

With a bit of soldering, you can turn a computer power supply into a great PS http://www.instructables.com/id/ATX-->-Lab-Bench-Power-Supply-Conversion/

#5

Ray,

Try these industrial supply houses:

www.automationdirect.com
www.newark.com
www.digikey.com

All have both regulated and switching power supplies. I am not sure what configuration or wattage you need, but I will be surprised if they don’t have something that will work for your needs.

Bob C.

#6

I use one of those power converters from a portable telephone. The transformer will have the volts stamped on it. Also comes with lots of cord. Works like a charm. Dennis

#7

There is no dumb question, but this, I suppose comes close, what about using one of those outdoor light power supplies? One of the brand names is “Malibu.” They put out 12 volts.

Since you will be powering lights, one would think these would be perfect.

#8

Good answer Steve. Another good source would be low current ham radio power supplies - they should be cheap and simple. No line voltage wiring required.

#9

Hehe! I’m still using a 4.5 amp, 12v dc power supply by Marnold that must be over 50 years old that used to power my HO layout back in the “olden days”. A transformer, a rectifier, a toggle on-off switch and connector posts sticking out front with a pilot light. Many other brands had rheostats for power control as well. Simple, basic and to the point they last forever (almost). If you can find one similar they’re excellent for powering the lights in any scale.

#10

I searched on eBay for 12V power supplies. There are several, reasonably priced listings.

I don’t trust the regulation of wall-warts and messing with PC supplies is sort of a pain.

#11

Bill, with respect.
I have found the regulation of the SWITCHMODE wall warts very reliable. As are the lap top power supplies.
They are certainly low cost and perfectly adequate for what Ray wants to do.
Most of them come with 2.1mm x 5 mm DC co-ax plugs. All that is needed is a sutable matching jack and they can be wired in without modifying their as delivered wiring.

#12

Tony,

Have to be careful of the laptop/netbook power supplys, my netbook supply is 19 volts DC…

#13

Sure do Bob.
If someone wanted a 12 volt supply, why would they choose a 19 volt one?
There are plenty of multi voltage switchmode lap top supplies on the market to choose from.

#14

Et al,

Outdoor lighting supplies are simple, 12 Volt step-down transformers and output unregulated AC.

Ray,

One question not asked, is how much power do you need? I built a doll house with about 75 grain of wheat bulbs which pulled over 2.5 Amps at 12 VDC or over 30 Watts. As most wall wart and brick supplies have to be certified or listed (e.g. UL, CSA, TUV) and most have proven to be very reliable if not overloaded. If you need more power than the small wall warts, try one of the larger brick units from outfits like All Electronics (http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PS-1233/12VDC-3.33A-SWITCHING-POWER-SUPPLY//1.html) or MPJA (http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=16918+PS). Cord, packaging and output wiring normally included.

Ken