Strip Lighting Supply
This power supply is identical to that used in the passenger kits. It is intended for DIY applications using the widely available 12 VDC strip lighting (we sell them too!). The supply supports full range from off to full brightness based on user control using a on-board multi-turn potentiometer. Also provides flicker free operation above 8.5 VAC track voltage at typical brightness. Yes, these are for conventional, TMCC, DCS, and DCC applications to provide realistic lighting applications. All boards come with double-sided tape and removable plug for ease in installation!
Yes, one of our competitors offers a similar product but with one third the capacitance and coarse brightness control [This means much shorter non-flicker period!]. Our supply will support a double level lighting of scale length cars (about 20 LED segments) without any problem at conventional voltages (caused we planned it that way!).
Concerned how to add DIY lighting for “tail-end” cars? Yes, many manufacturers incorrectly call them “Observation” cars. Now we have a new product that comes as a kit with the strip supply and electronics with LEDs for the tail-end portion of these cars. Yep, still gotta’ select what you want but the price is almost half the full up version sold elsewhere on our site. Basic board(s) shown below. Additional parts in kit to complete the board to drive markers, top rear light, and/or drumhead. LEDs included too! Did we mention you have to read the instructions to make this work for your application? If you have trouble reading instructions, make it easy on yourself and buy the full made up version. Oh, BTW if you want to add Tomar markers with DIY approach, drop us a line at RoyzTrains@gmail.com!
Segments may be bought singularly or in 5 meter roll (100 segments). Each segment is approximately 2″ long and has solder points at both ends. Most just buy the roll and have enough LEDs for many cars.
Full instructions show solder points for power, lighting and single LED operation with on-board resistor. This supply can easily support up to 20 segments. Additional segments may require the addition of a heat sink sold elsewhere on this site.
BillK –
I have used the D-I-Y Power Supply and LED kits to replace the lights in 7 MTH Railking streamline passenger cars including a Vista Dome and an observation car, and 8 K-Line streamline passenger cars, including the tail-end DIY kit. I am very pleased with the results – brightness is adjusted to personal preference and no flickering! The LEDs look great in the K-Line cars running in conventional mode whereas the old incandescent bulbs were barely lit.