I have the Bachamann HO trains and power supply units. What voltage is it? Need to know so I get the right street lights and other building lights.
Thanks,
Rookie
It will tell you the voltage on your power supply.
If DC, then it's 12VDC to the track and probably a 12VAC for accessories.
Just read the labels on your power supply.
Cheers
Roger.
Rook, I suggest you get yourself a multi meter, this way you can check AC, DC, resistance, whenever and wherever you want. SEARS currently has a Craftsman model on sale for $12.99 that has 8 functions and 20 ranges. You could also find them at HOME DEPOT, LOWE'S or TRUE VALUE hardware stores. It will have a multitude of uses beyond model trains as well. Some recommend one from HARBOR FREIGHT bc it is cheap; I do not. But that is just my opinion, in part based on how many who purchase it, post a review of its poor performance and how they would not "recommend" buying one.
I have three. They come with manuals that anyone can understand.
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_Workshop/index.htm
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_HF/index.htm
Rich
Yes, I believe anyone who reads this board, is well aware of that.
I have two of the Harbor Freight one,s and one Klein 1000. I use the HF one's the most.
Is that bc it is the one that is handiest (closest by), Jerry to where and when you find yourself looking to use one?
Nah, Why break out my hundred dollar meter when my one 9.95 and my one free with coupon work just as good. I have put one at each end of the layout though so I don't have to keep getting up and walking to the other side of the garage.
If it get's serious though out comes the Klein. Mainly use it on my auto's.
Thank you for clarifying. I hope you provided feedback on HFs website recommending the meter.
My way less that $100 SPERRY has served me well for the last 10 years or so and before that, a RADIO SHACK analog meter which I keep in my truck. Both have been used for household and automotive diagnoses as well. I can rely it and would rather have 1 tool I can rely on rather than 1 "I don't care if it stops working tomorrow" (or if I run it over with my truck or I drop it on concrete) and 1 that is my "good one". I have never had to replace any fuses in them either, which if memory serves me, Mr. G has mentioned having to replace the HF's fuses from time to time. And no, it's not about the expense, I understand he has said they are cheap, it is about the inconveninece of grabbing something I need to work only to find some 15 cent fuse needs to be replaced.
Can I ask, if you had the KLEIN already, why'd you buy the first HF you have? (the 2nd I get, bc of the free coupon)
Yes you may ask. I bought the first HF because I could not find where I put the Klein so HF is 2 miles away and went and got one till I found mine.
Finding it was hard since my dad borrowed it and never returned it. Wow, that's usually the other way around.
Give it a rest Jim ::).
By the way have not had to replace a fuse yet.
LOL!! (re: temporarily misplaced meter)
I have a Fluke, which I like for general usage in my trade. They are reasonable and reliable. Don't buy a cheap piece of junk-you will kick yourself.
Rich C.
Thank you Rich. I think we are in the minority mindset. My dad's had a FLUKE that he brought home from Physics class when he retired. The thing has been flawless for 20+ years now. If I am not mistaken, I do believe they are a bit more expensive than my HOME DEPOT special or Jerry's KLEIN though.
Quote from: jbrock27 on February 15, 2014, 08:18:01 PM
Thank you Rich. I think we are in the minority mindset. My dad's had a FLUKE that he brought home from Physics class when he retired. The thing has been flawless for 20+ years now. If I am not mistaken, I do believe they are a bit more expensive than my HOME DEPOT special or Jerry's KLEIN though.
The price depends on the model. My meter is comparable to Flukes 114 which is about 140.00.
I had a Fluke long time ago when I was an auto mechanic and guess what? my brother had one a couple months later just like mine, same initials scribed in it and all ;D. I think he misplaced it. ::)
Jerry
LOL again!
Wow, that is more than I thought but, that is definitely a good meter in my book. It will last you for 30+ years as long as it is not misplaced Mr. B!
Quote from: jbrock27 on February 15, 2014, 07:28:37 PM
Yes, I believe anyone who reads this board, is well aware of that.
I have belonged to many train forums for some years. Some toss the manual. Some don't read the manual. Seen that quite often. They then ask in a forum.
Had to replace the fuse in one once. I have three meters so it is always easy to find one near my work area. Bought a forth recently out in the garage for possible car work.
The club members have them also.
Been using meters for many years. Always keeps spare fusses on hand.
Have not had to use the expensive meter or the analogue meter in quite some time.
Even the TEK 475 Scope sits in the back room as the cheap Velleman Scope does everything I have needed for DCC and home electronics experimenting.
Rich
Thanks a bunch guys. I'll get a meter for sure with all the advice I got. Don't know why I did not look at the unit - it's clearly marked.
Rich G. have no idea why people don't read or for that matter toss any manuals they have for any working piece of equipment they have. That is their foolishness in MHO. Of course if they are not the original owner of the item, that is another matter entirely. That is what the internet if for, right? GOOGLE is friends to all of us?
Sounds like you have a meter for everyday of the week. I guess that's good if you don't want to take the time to retrieve one single meter from one central location each time you need to use it.
Quote from: rookie123 on February 15, 2014, 05:19:52 PM
I have the Bachamann HO trains and power supply units. What voltage is it? Need to know so I get the right street lights and other building lights.
Thanks,
Rookie
You can also get power from your layout wire as well to run lights No need to get another power supply..
Does that apply to DCC? Bc most lights (not LEDs) operate off AC and not DC if DC is used to power the track.
Thank you.
jbrock;
HI; Yeah, they are expensive-or can be. Klein tools are OK; Klein of course, gets their stuff from various vendors. I have had probably a dozen or so "serious" type meters over 40-odd years I have been an electrician. I also have a Simpson for bench work; probably the best analog meter I have ever owned. It is probably older than methusela....
A good way to keep "track" of how accurate meters are is to take a fresh nine-volt battery from time to time, and check the meter. Not foolproof, but it does work.
Rich C.
:D
Thanks for the tip Rich!
You can also get power from your layout wire as well to run lights No need to get another power supply..
[/quote]
Trainbrain,
Not the best thing to do if you run more than a couple loco's at a time. Better have a good power supply if you are doing that. Especially if you are running sound or DCC.
Not hard to find another 12v source for powering accessories.
Jerry
Jerry;
That will work for sure, but you are better off to segregate your wiring, one from the other; remember the poem, "The treaty of Ghent"...
One thing I have learned (the hard way) since the introduction of electronics into AC motor controls is that [they] can do mysterious things with extraneous signals. Another guy who could tell many tales about electronic "experiments" was the late Les Paul.
Rich c.