Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: ihenix on December 08, 2014, 01:17:31 PM

Title: Please help me with lighting
Post by: ihenix on December 08, 2014, 01:17:31 PM
Electrical novice here so please bear with me and use layman terms.  I bought 14 of these lights on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151190332123?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/151190332123?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

I connected them to my accessory 16v ac connection on my Bachmann DC controller.  All the lights come on for about 7 seconds and then go off.  I then have to wait a few minutes before I can turn them back on for another 7 seconds.  It's like they are overheating or pulling to much power.  I really need help.

Thanks
Title: Re: Please help me with lighting
Post by: Doneldon on December 08, 2014, 01:29:59 PM
ih-

The eBay listing says these are 6v lights which can be used on 12v or 16v systems. My guess is that there are some resistors to cut the current down to ~6v or a circuit breaker which is heating up due to the overvoltage. Try feeding your lights just 6v or maybe 9v and see what happens. You may very well have an old wall wart from a shaver, cell phone or other electronic device which will put out an appropriate voltage.

Good luck and please keep us informed of your progress.
                                                                                      -- D
Title: Re: Please help me with lighting
Post by: ihenix on December 08, 2014, 02:19:07 PM
Hi  --D

Thanks for your advice. I attached them to a 9v power supply and that worked except the lights are not as bright.  Should I try a 12v or would that cause a problem.
Title: Re: Please help me with lighting
Post by: electrical whiz kid on December 08, 2014, 03:25:22 PM
those OLD "WAL FARTS" will usually have, somewhere on the body, the nomenclature; voltage, volts type, current or wattage, etc.   Print is also usually very small, so read it carefully.
Rich .
Title: Re: Please help me with lighting
Post by: ihenix on December 08, 2014, 03:28:39 PM
Rich

Anything in particular that I should be looking out for that may cause a problem?