Would there be a problem with using a Kenwood radio transformer (13.8 VDC, 16 A) and a light dimmer switch as a rheostat to power a single loop of track? What if I replace the rheostat with a “train engineer”?
Information is skewed, a transformer puts out AC not DC. Most light dimmers are not made for inductive loads (like a transformer) and would not work for low voltage DC. Assuming what you are calling a transformer puts out DC it would probably be OK to use a train engineer on the output in place of a rheostat. I don’t know what the minimum operation voltage for the train engineer is, perhaps a TE expert can chime in
My Bad!
What I have is a 120 VAC input 13.8 VDC output POWER SUPPLY for amateur radios, so I would assume it produces a clean power source.
How many watts?
Is it a wall wart transformer?
Ralph
Using the “P /I E” formula to calculate the wattage, it works out to
P (watts) = I (amperage) x E (volts)
P = 13.8 x 16
P = 220 watts
As I understand it, the amperage and watts will only be consumed as needed, and the voltage will be regulated with my rheostat. So maybe I’ve just answered my own question.
Is there anything I am missing here?
Well, you could do it that way…
I think the train engineer will work at 13.8. It doesn’t quite work at 12, but does at 14.4. At 13.8v, you “transformer” is obviously made to power “12v” battery powered equipment, so it would have a nice DC output.
The output voltage will be marginal for running large scale. They will run, but some will be very slow. I have a big ham radio astron that is of no use too.
If you use a “rheostat” and run straight DC to the motors it will work, but as soon as you introduce electronics, you start “losing” 2-3 volts and then things will definitely be too slow.
I would look elsewhere, you can find 10 amp 24 volt DC switching supplies for very cheap now.
Regards, Greg
That seems to make more sense Greg. I’ll save the ham radio equipment to get my station back on the air.