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RailPro installation

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Graham54:
Bill I have all that is required.  My computer skills are very basic.  I had a go this morning with some success.  Tried to down-load  a sound for bell chandler and it stopped at 45% and wouldn't advance.  what is the best way to get out when this happens ?  I will try again.                KPack  I have done all the right  processes except select yellow wire colour .  Such a simple thing.       Allan  To use a relay I still need supply of 14 volts 260 ma.  With the control wire from tender.  The 6 wire plug is fully occupied an extra wire difficult and messy.  I have received smoke generators and tested.  At 14.2 volts Railpro  track supply the generator smokes very quickly and with more smoke than I desire.  Supply of about 12-13 volts would be nice.  Is this possible ?  Thanks to everyone who replied.  Hopefully I am back on track.  Graham.

Alan:

--- Quote ---Supply of about 12-13 volts would be nice.
--- End quote ---

There are many ways to achieve this each solution with its own strengths and weaknesses. The simplest approach would be a voltage divider network. Exactly the same as an old style train power pack except in miniature.



The problem with this solution is the power dissipated by the potentiometer. It would require a somewhat bulky unit that will make heat as a byproduct. If you have the space available then this solution is very simple and inexpensive. I could work out the value for you if need be.

A better way is to use an adjustable voltage regulator such as a LM317. With the addition of a few discrete components you have a fully adjustable voltage regulator that isn't wasteful with power. Its small size and non-critical component placement means you can layout the physical circuit in any manner needed to make it fit inside a loco. Total cost to build is less than $5.

http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/datasheets/LM317.pdf

The ideal solution would be a DC to DC buck converter. These circuits are a bit much for the non-electronics hobbyist to design and build themselves but fortunately they are abundant on eBay for cheap. They are sold as speed controllers. Here is an example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-5V-6V-12V-18v-24v-2A-Motor-Pump-Speed-Controller-Regulator-Module-Board-/191843783571?hash=item2caac7d393:g:Eu4AAOSwJQdXBiD3. This particular unit measures 48mm x 23mm x 14mm (2" x 1" x 1/2"). If you have space to mount it this would be an ideal solution giving you plug-n-play full adjustability and at your smoke generator load of 200mA there would be virtually no heat produced by the circuit. And at only $1.82 with free shipping how can you beat that!!!

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