Anyone out there know how to convert A/c current coming from a lionel transformer into DC? Does radio shack have anything out there to convert it,& how would you set it up??? thank you EASTER
put two opposing diodes wired in parrallel in one side of the wiring…a diode will convert ac to dc by cutting out the ac 1/2 wave…i wouldn’t do this…lionel power packs but out more amperage than the a 12 volt d/c type power pack …you could ruin your d/c equipment by doing this…you’ll be better off purchasing a D/C power pack …chuck
You can pick up a decent power pack on eBay in the $5 range. You pick up a pretty good one for around $15-20 if you look for last year’s models. Certainly these would be better options that tinkering with you old Lionel.
cwclark and spacemouse have given very good info! You might also want to check and see if your LHS has any used ones for sale. My LHS usually has 2 or 3 in stock under $10. Much easier and probably cheaper than trying to convert from AC. Trouble with e-bay is that you can get one there for $5 and then pay $7 to $12 shgipping and handling… not exactly a bargain.
You can use a bridge rectifier. Unless you hold the locomotive down on the track to keep the wheels from turning and the transformer doesn’t have a built in circuit breaker, higher amp output will not ruin the motors in the locomotives. The motor will only draw what it needs. Before DCC, amprage ratings had been increasing in order to run more trains. Most DCC amperage output for HO and N scales is 5 to 8 amps. Higher voltage will, on the other hand,damage motors and burn out lights.
There is a danger of damaging track from high amperage should there be a short across the track. Therefore if the transformer does not have a built in circuit breaker you must add one between the transformer and the track for saftey.
What do you plan on doing with it anyway?
You MUST be aware too that AC voltage, when rectified, does NOT match the resultant DC voltage.
The peak voltage for AC is the SQRT(2) times the RMS voltage, roughly 140% of the AC RMS voltage. When rectified and filtered by a capacitor, depending on the load and ripple of your supply you can get between 100% and 140% of the AC RMS voltage on your output.
Unless you’re an electrical engineer or a knowledeable technician you can get yourself (and your layout) into serious trouble by trying to roll your own.
I’ve looked at building my own heavy-duty DC supply for my layout. It’d be virtually bullet-proof, current limiting, with a 10 amp output, automatic cooling fans, etc. Cost was over $150 and it would look like it came off a battleship. That project’s been shelved.
Mark in Utah P.E.
hey guys,thanks alot. very important imput you all shared with me. I think i wll use my HO power pack to run my AC accessories. EASTER