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 19:44:32 GMT
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Viewed:
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1960 times
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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.
"BAD" things won't happen, the circuit is kiddy-proof :) (the regulator IC
will shut down when getting too warm)
If you're a good D-I-Y person with electronics/soldering experience my mod
might be for you. Requirements
- Screwdriver to open up the unit
- Soldering iron
- Wirecutters and knife for stripping/cutting wires
- Wallwart or similair capable of delivering 9-10V AC at around 20VA
- Similair plug like the one on the LEGO wallwart
- Heavier version of the LM317 regulator IC in TO-3 housing (should do at
least 1.5, peak up to 3 amps, IIRC LM317K is the TO-3 version)
- TO-3 cooler (bigger ain't always better, thermal resistance figure is
important, lower=better)
- Crimp tubing
- 2 M3*15 screws and nuts
Open up the controller, desolder the LM317T, take off the little U-shaped
"cooler" and remove the LM317T. Solder 3 wires in the circuit board, around
10-15 cm.
Mark 4 holes on the back of the controller, to fit the 2 pins of the IC, and
for the two mounting holes. Drill all with 3 mm or bigger
Put the IC, with the cooler mounted on, screw it in place
Now solder the three wires (isolate with crimp tubing to prevent
shortcircuiting them!) to the correct connections (housing of the TO-3 is
one of the three connections) Hard to say which is which from here, hope
this diagram helps http://home.planet.nl/~midde639/specs/LM317.PDF
Pic of the outcome can be seen here :
http://www.vanree.net/fotoalbum/javanree/lego/trainregulator/tn/newlm317.jpg.html
(I used larger TO-3 coolers and then places the IC diagonal on the back, to
make it fit. This type at least doesn't stick out the back beyond the LEGO
housing. It does 1.8A for long periods, 2.5A peak)
--
Jan-Albert van Ree | http://www.vanree.net/brickpiles/
Brick Piles | Santa Fe B-unit
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Transformer Power
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| (...) Check the Linear Tech LT1083/4/5 series. They are pin compatible with the part that is already in the controller. LUCNY uses some of my modified controllers. You need to change; The bridge rectifer diodes to handle the chosen maximum current (...) (20 years ago, 5-Jan-05, to lugnet.trains)
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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 (20 years ago, 4-Jan-05, to lugnet.trains)
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