Is it general practice to power LEDs, say on a control panel, from a separate power source than the track power?
I’m using DCC and have hopes of powering other LEDs in structures etc. later.
Thanks
Tom - LEDs will work on AC but prefer DC. I use a separate pwr supply for my LEDs. If you get a 3-5 volt wall wart depending on what kind of LED you are using you wouldn’t need to mess with the resistors.
Terry[8D]
I run DCC on my layout and use an DC train transformer for LEDs, town lights etc. It is nice to be able to adjust the voltage to dim lights etc.
The average LED I use have a maximum voltage of 1.8V-2.4V. I also have very bright LEDs (6000-8000 MCD) which take a maximum voltage of 3.2V-3.6V.
I would leave the track power to the trains and power accessories from their own supplies. A DC wall power supply (a.k.a. wall wart, battery eliminator) is the best way to go.
While you’re thinking about doing this, you might consider dividing your lighting up into several groups, and powering each of them individually. For example, I’ve got a small control panel which has nothing but toggles for the various sub-systems, like turnout power, signal light power (one each for LED and incandescent lamps), yard lighting towers, and a couple for different groups of buildings.
I have LEDs ranging from 3 volts up to 12 volts. I power them and all my layout lighting with an old AT computer power supply. It pulls all the lights and doesn’t turn a hair.
Thanks. Separate DC power supply it will be then.
I recieved some signals recently, some with bulbs which I soldiered directly to the track and they work fine. I use my signals to indicate power for my blocks. I also have some signals with LED’s.
The International brand signals already come pre-wired and all you have to do is place a resistor inbetween the LED and the power source. Model Power even has small red, green, and yellow lights, they two are already pre-wired, with the resistor already in place.
My problem is with the Oregon Rail signals. The signals are kits which are fun to build, then you have to install the LED’s. Now, LED’s have two contacts that have to be wired, but I am not sure on which side the resistor is attached too. Is it the contact which has no small piece of contact for a plus sign, or is it the contact that has the small piece of metal that crosses the contact near the LED.
If someone could answer this question it would be of great help, just need to know which contact the resistor is attached to on the LED.
Sincerely
WTRR
It doesn’t matter which lead the resistor is attached to. Just for the sake of uniformity, I’d use the same lead on all of them if possible.
in another forum someone suggested tying two LEDs together so that one will always be on regardless of polarity, this also works w AC. tie one short lead to the long lead of the other LED, then repeat with the other leads. put the pair of LEDs into your circuit w resistors and whatever else.