In olden days, to run a 5v device, we either bought a lab supply for dozens of dollars, or started with a 6v transformer, diode, capacitor and LM309 regulator and built one by hand.
Today, just go to Wal*Mart. They’re called phone chargers. This one was rather expensive at 7 bucks.
Read about it here: http://barefootelectronics.com/5v.aspx
Tom: what if you have a number of devices that need 5V? Have you thought about plugging a multi port USB hub into this to give more outputs? I have not tried it, but it should work since you are only using the two outside pins of the 4 pin connector. The two outer ones are for GND and +5, the center two pins are for the Data tx and rx.
Dan S.
If you want more power, grab yourself one of these.
http://www.mysticengineering.com/atx.adapter/index.html
And an old computer supply. Works great for all your 5v/12v needs.
One of the local HO clubs uses computer power supplies for their layout power. They use Digitrax DCC controls for the 12 vdc stuff and the 5 vdc controls the switch motors and other stuff.
Bob C.
Once you split out the wires, you can run wires anywhere you like. Don’t need to buy a hub. Of course, a powered hub could be used like a cellphone charger too.
Dan Stuettgen said:
Tom: what if you have a number of devices that need 5V? Have you thought about plugging a multi port USB hub into this to give more outputs? I have not tried it, but it should work since you are only using the two outside pins of the 4 pin connector. The two outer ones are for GND and +5, the center two pins are for the Data tx and rx.
Dan S.