Subject:
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Re: Transformer Power
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Wed, 5 Jan 2005 19:16:21 GMT
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Viewed:
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1639 times
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In lugnet.trains, Steve Hassenplug wrote:
> Can anyone tell me how much current a standard train controller puts out?
>
> I want to run several standard 9v gear motors from a train controller. But, I'm
> not sure how many I can run, before bad things start to happen.
>
> Thanks
> Steve
Are you using the standard transformer with the controller? If so, the rating
is 7VA, which will probably give about half an amp at 9V after losses. With a
more powerful transformer you could get a bit more out of the controller as
others have suggested.
Given that a similar transformer can be used with a Control Center or RCX 1.0
(each with 3 motor ports), I suggest that three gearmotors (71427) is the most
you should use on one controller with a standard transformer. The motors will
use up to 200mA each without much risk of overheating (and the thermal cutout
operating). If you run them at much more load than that then the risk
increases. I think the maximum load per motor is 300mA.
I know I get better power delivery (regardless of speed) using two train motors
with a controller, so two gearmotors will probably give more total torque even
if the speed drops a bit at high load.
If you're running a lot of motors (>3) at high load (>200mA/motor) for long
periods, I recommend a variable power supply. I use a dual 30V 3A one for my
trains and it is quite happy with a 4-motor Pendolino train pulling 1 Amp for
half an hour.
A cheaper option would be a transformer like the Lego controller one, but more
powerful and with variable voltage. Then just put a socket on a cut 9V wire and
set the voltage to 4.5 or 6 Volts with a screwdriver for medium speed.
Mark
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Transformer Power
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| Can anyone tell me how much current a standard train controller puts out? I want to run several standard 9v gear motors from a train controller. But, I'm not sure how many I can run, before bad things start to happen. Thanks Steve (19 years ago, 4-Jan-05, to lugnet.trains)
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