Anybody ever use a computer power supply to run their trains? I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Not only that the voltage would be a lot more stable than one meant to run trains. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving . Mark
There are a few problems with doing that, While amperage wise it would pack a huge punch it wouldnt be very durable, PSU's are ment to run constantly at one load, and not have a varyable load, (like would be the case in runing trains) some also reset when there is a load change, I would not recomend doing this, I have a fried 230 watt PSU siting behind me which I used to try this.
Mark, as Chessie says computer supplies are designed for constant output within very narrow load limits. They also have built-in protection circuits that shutdown the supply when the load exceeds these limits. Whereas most better model train power controllers are designed to gradually transition from constant DC to pulsed power as the output voltage is reduced for slower running. Also the better controllers have protection circuits that limit the output current in proportion to the output voltage, rather than shutting down power completely when a fault occurs. A good model supply (e.g. MRC) is worth every penny you invest!
Thanks guys. I assume running DCC doesn't change things? How durable would it be for providing voltage to turnouts and other accessories such as street lights? You see, I've come across a brand new 200 watt power supply that I don't really have any other need for. Mark
I've passed by a few of these over time because of the lack of 12V amperage. Computer PSUs are usually multi-voltage output. I think typically 0, +5, +12 and -12 Volts. Most of the computer power is used by processors and stuff at low voltage and as a result a 200 VA supply may only be good for a small part of its output at +12V, which is the bit that is usually useful to us. But if you had plans for a lot of lighting on your layout the 5V would be good to drive LEDs or 6V bulbs.
Mark, you could try bartering the PC supply to a newbie computer Nerd who has lost interest in his/her trains [ 23 November 2001: Message edited by: Hank Coolidge ]</p>
I agree with all that's been said, a "raw" computer power suppply is definately not a good option for use on a train set. The 12 volt section is a low power part of the supply, and it's not designed to "intentionally" withstand shorts. You'd probably overload it or burn it up with shorts before you're through with it. It may be useful however for lighting on your layout. Depending on the size of your layout, you may need to draw a lot of current. Of course, for the lighting 12 volts AC woks just as good as 12 volts DC. Most people like to run the voltage a little low on the layout lighting to soften the effect. It also really lengthens out the life of the bulbs if that's an issue for you.... If you want to design your own supply, it CAN be done. Just be prepared to do a lot of thinking to cover such things as fold-back current limiting, maximum start-up current for stalled motors, peak voltage, remote current sensing, slaving, ..... This would make sense only if: a) You want a bigger supply than you can purchase, b) You have a lot of electronic parts laying around so the cost would be zero, or.... c) You're a bored electrical engineer that needs a good project to do on your spare time. Mark
Sounds like a good waste of time and $ to me. If you are able to rework a PSU to provide power for trains, why not just build your own throttle? You can get plans in a lot of different magazines, and you will end up with a unit made to run TRAINS, not a CPU./ If you don't want to build your own throttle from the ground up, go get a small toy train power pack and add a MRC throttle to it. This will work just fine, giving good controll, low cost, and long life.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by porkypine52: If you are able to rework a PSU to provide power for trains, why not just build your own throttle? .<hr></blockquote> Actually I have done that. And thats the reason for the fired 230 watt I metioned above
