AM-1 BATTERY POWER

[mcbunton]

Dead rail outdoor layout, what do any of you use to power your AM-1?  Max input says 16 volt, but 12 volt battery are cheaper and more plentiful?  Newbie here looking for help.  Thanks in advance!

[Alan]

Other than the fact you will have to recharge it frequently, sure, why not use a 12v battery. AM-1 will work on 12v.

[KiloWhiskey]

Good excuse to install a solar panel trickle charger doo-hicky

[donsweet]

Hi Guys, for a outdoor layout, use a Duracell lead acid battery. 12V 4.5AH. Buy them at Battery Plus. It will last for years. Place inside a building with the AM-1 and plug into the AM-1 when you are operating.

Don

[Gibs]

Or you could use 3 x 6V SLA Batteries wired in series for 18V, use a Solar setup for charging each battery at either 6V seperatly via each one on a change over isolator switch or combined at 20V. Use a small stepdown from 24V to do so. (I can't recall if anyone makes a suitable 18V charger). The AM-1 can then run off another small stepdown to the required 16V. It should also be noted that most electronic devices by there very nature can have a variance of around 12 percent in supply voltage but it's still best practise to supply the recommended voltage.

[Gibs]

Personally though, I'd just install an outdoor weather proof power point and plug in a 16V DC power pack and cover it all up with a building!
But that's just me.

[JRad]

I'm also dead rail outdoors (and indoors), but I sue my rail as a power buss for building lights. I have 12VDC running through the rail on a timer so the buildings shut off during daylight hours.  If you used rail joiners when you built, it may be possible or you to d the same to power your AM-1.

On the other hand, your thought of using a battery is probably the simplest.