Yard lamp

Discussion in 'DC Control' started by Mark4mm, Oct 15, 2021.

  1. Mark4mm

    Mark4mm Guest

    Hi I have received a yard lamp today with the resistor pre fitted. On the label it says power supply 12v DC, could I run this off my hornby R365 controller of would it be easier to attach it to a battery. :scratchchin:
     
  2. Walkingthedog

    Walkingthedog Full Member

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    You will probably be told no but I have run LED lamps from a DC controller without a problem. The lamp will only work with the controller in one direction. If it works in Forward it won’t work in Reverse and vice versa.
     
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  3. Mark4mm

    Mark4mm Guest

    Brian thank you for your reply, most helpful. :thumbup:The lamp is going onto a small diorama which won't have running trains, just a working lamp.
     
  4. Walkingthedog

    Walkingthedog Full Member

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    My pleasure.
     
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  5. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    I run all my LEDs off similar controllers with the advantage being that you do not need to have it set at full ( 12volts ).
    You can dial down the voltage and this in effect, makes it like a dimmer.
    :tophat:Gormo
     
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  6. Walkingthedog

    Walkingthedog Full Member

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    That’s why I use a controller Gormo. Many say it is a bad idea because the voltage isn’t smooth enough or something like that and it will damage the LEDs. I’ve never had a problem.
     
  7. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    Me neither.......and lets face it ........what is an LED worth.???.....and so what if it becomes damaged after 10 or 15 years of running on an imperfect power supply.
    It`s not the end of the World......there are worse things that could happen in life.
    In the old days, when all that was available were incandescent globes, people just accepted that they may have to replace them from time to time.
    So....why worry about an LED who`s life may be decreased by what....5% ??...who knows and who cares.???.....because they will probably outlast your railway regardless of how they are powered
    Let`s get on with it and make some models and dare to try something different and not worry about piffling little issues.......:avatar:
    This is a scratch built yard light running off a variable train controller. It`s hardly ever on....it works fine and I expect it to last for years and if it expires in 10 years or so....I`ll build another one.

    DSC07680.JPG
    As a matter of interest.......apparently if you run an incandescent globe on a much lower voltage than it`s maximum rating, it`s life will be extended considerably.
    Just thought I`d throw that in....:thumbup:
    :tophat:Gormo
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2021
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  8. Wolseley

    Wolseley Full Member

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    I run all my lights off one plug-in power adaptor with an output that can be varied from 3v to 12v DC. I run it at the 3v DC setting. My yard lamps (which are pre-fitted with resistors) are a bit dim, but the other lights (which aren't) are maybe a touch on the bright side. The variation in light output doesn't bother me but, if it did, I would probably remove the resistors and run everything on 3v DC.

    P1010158.jpg
     
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  9. Bernie

    Bernie Full Member

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    :thumbs: Well said Gormo, and I think this statement is true of many electronics and mechanical things like cars and trains.

    I like the suggestion of using a controller to get the best brightness or dullness for the model.

    For the original question, Battery or controller, depends, where will the model will be displayed and if it will be portable. Will there be a handy power source and will having a cord hanging out be OK? Will the battery be easy to remove and replace? The electricity output bit is roughly the same as long as it exceeds the start volts for the LED.
     
  10. Mark4mm

    Mark4mm Guest

    Thanks for all the replies to my question, I'm going to use my spare hornby controller I have lying around. :thumbup:
     

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