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8th September 2008
Monday, 12:14am

Last Updated
29/7/08

Electrical Systems

Power Supply | Power Distribution | Controller Circuit Diagram | Points Control | Accessories | The Future...

Power is supplied via five 240 Volt AC transformers:

1. 2 x 16V AC - powers Michel Delving controller and Capacitor Discharge Unit (for points).
2. 2 x 16V AC - powers Hobbiton controller. Second supply currently unused.
3. 2 x 16V AC - powers Buckland and Bree controllers
4. 2 x 16V AC - powers Grey Havens controller and Capacitor Discharge Unit (for points).
5. 12V DC & 5.5V DC - 12V used for layout lighting effects / 5.5V used for light signals.

Therefore, each of the five controllers has an independent power supply, and the points are operated via two Capacitor Discharge Units. The spare supply will be assigned to accessories when required.

The 12V DC supply provides current for up to one hundred miniature light bulbs wired in parallel (although more can be added by wiring the bulbs in series) to illuminate the scenery at 'night'.

Each supply has a curcuit breaker which 'trips' when an excessive current is drawn by the system. This occurs during short circuits when the resistance of the circuit drops close to zero, enabling a large current to flow. Circuit breakers are vital as they protect the electrical systems (such as controllers, lights and engine motors) from damage.