More power to the tracks...

Hello, anyone know if there is a way to connect multiple DC powerpacks together, in order to run several HO engines together?

Tuvm

 

I am not entirely sure of what you want to do, but in general, wiring power supplies/batteries in series doubles their voltage (which you may not really find useful) while wiring such devices in parallel doubles the current/amperage available, which also may not necessarily be your desired end-state.

DC motors will all react when power is applied to the system of rails if it is monolithic. Turn one around and it will still move in the same direction as the other locmotives. That creates a bit of a problem. So what most people using DC do is to break up their track plan into discrete and manageable "blocks" by making sure the rails are gapped/severed at the periphery or boundary and using a separate power supply for each block.

It is more involved than that, but perhaps this will help to rephrase your question or to reorient you to your problem?

 

I was curious about running a long train w/ 4 individual engines. They are all fairly close in speed.

I have a number of 1A power supplies...

Just don't want to fry any equiptment.

Tuvm

 

Wiring power supplies in series can be dangerous. I would buy a bigger supply.

Wolfgang

 

Using your supplies in series will increase the available voltage. That would be an easy way to fry the motors in the locomotives because you will probably exceed their voltage rating by a large margin. What you need is a higher current capability by wiring in parallel, but you will probably have to be pretty good at turning the voltage up on all of the supplies simultaneously. A better solution would probably be to use a single power supply with a higher current rating. What scale are you modeling in? 1A may be adequate for N or maybe even HO.

 

Parallel hook up of several power supplies will work for your situation using a Master rheostat. You will want at least (3) one amp power supplies to run a four loco consist without overloading the combined power output of the (3) power supplies.

Hook up all power supplies in parallel (combine all positive to positive and all negative to negative output leads). Purchase a two lead rheostat that will handle the amp load rating (in my example three amp DC) with a 0 – 100 Ohm rating (0 – 200 Ohm rating for slower ramping of track voltage). Solder all the positive leads to one lug of the rheostat. Solder a wire to the other lug that will run to your track (positive side). Solder all negative leads to a wire that will run to your track (negative side). Mount rheostat on a control panel or louvered box for ventilation needs. Make the necessary hook ups to your track.

Test your track voltage using a volt meter or 12V light bulb (NOT a Loco!). Turn the Master rheostat full left (off position). Without any locos or passenger cars with lights etc. on the track turn on all power supplies and set each power supply to full throttle (power all the way up). Track voltage should be zero (light bulb off). As you slowly turn the Master rheostat to the right the voltage should come up to maximum power supply voltage (light bulb full on). Only when these tests are completed correctly are you ready to run a train.

A power strip with master shut off would make it easier to turn all power supplies on / off.

Rheostat may cost as much as $50 or as little as $5 depending on quality or if you desire a higher amp rating.

Jerry

 

Thanks guys!

I'm in HO scale.

I think I'm going to check out Jerry's master rheostat idea 'n compare the cost against a used 5A power supply. (maybe I'll find something on ebay)

Tuvm !!