A decoder function(s) question

Discussion in 'Welcome to the DARK side' started by Andy_Sollis, Mar 16, 2019.

  1. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Just a light bulb moment really for some “space saving” on another (non railway) project.

    Can the functions on a decoder be used to power a 1.5v motor?

    Just thinking for my Lancaster model ? It’s got lights and a spinning bomb as well as the 4 engines. Didn’t know if anyone had used a decoder for such a thing?’
     
  2. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    Hi Andy
    I wouldnot risk it . Motors take a large load when they start up that could blow your decoder. What you could do is wire in a relay for the decoder to switch and take the feed for the motor from the track feed before it goes into the decoder and rectify it.
    If you need a diagram of how to do it let me know.
    Bob
     
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  3. Timbersurf

    Timbersurf

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    If you want to reduce the voltage, I assume the lights are higher voltage than the motor but you want one supply? Then tiny regulators are available that go down to 0.8V, see my guide
     
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  4. Gloria Aldridge

    Gloria Aldridge Full Member

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    Hi,
    Don't know if this helps we bought inline voltage reducers not sure what the lowest voltage you can buy. They come in packs of ten.Good luck hope you can find what you need. When my partner is around I will ask what is best for you to use as she does a lot of flying and has fitted lcds to her models and into FPV bigtime. If you need any more help of advice please get in touch.
    Regards,
    Gloria.
    .
     
  5. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    With lights, a spinning bomb and 4 engines Andy, I'd imagine you'd want a 6 function decoder, assuming you want to "Start" each engine individually and not together. Whichever decoder you look at, check what the maximum output current on each function is, and as has been said, these outputs are not anywhere near sufficient to run motors so a relay for these will be needed, one each if you run the 'engines' and 'bomb' individually. If just running the props is all you want, then each relay could control a motor, but if you want the ability to 'rev up' the engines, then additional speed control will be another requirement. Depends how deep you want to go. (And how deep your pockets are!!!):avatar::avatar::avatar:

    Keith.
     
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  6. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    All fair comments thanks.
    The motors are the little mabutchi ones that airfix used to fit in their model aircraft in the 70’s and 80’s. Approx 1.5v -2v
    It was just a thought to reduce the amount of wiring coming out of it.

    I’ll have another think.
     

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