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Old train 12v Remote Controlled Points motor testing

madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,787
edited September 2012 in Collecting
Hi guys,
Does anyone happen to know how to test these 12 volt point(switch) motors (http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=70026) without a 12v power transformer?
I tried to test with a 4.5v volt box as I have done the same to test 12 v motors just to see if they run (and it works, just slowly), but it does not seem to work with the 12 volt points switch motor. Is this just a matter of not enough voltage (the 4.5v is just not enough) and I need the 12 volts to get them to kick over? Is there an easy way to test these without the 12v transformer?
Just wondering if I am not generating enough current to move them or if all these switch boxes I happen to have do not work (which would be a bit weird that all 8 switch motors I have do not work, or sad if I was testing these correctly but they did not move)

Comments

  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,694
    If you have a bad 9v connector that you could hook up to a 9v train controller. Just strip the ends off of the bad wire end and unscrew one of the 12v ends and attach it to the switches. That should be enough to test them. Although, some of my switches do take some time to move even with 12v power applied to them. You might try removing the 12v connector off of one end and using your car battery to test it with, that is true 12v power.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,787
    edited September 2012
    Thanks I was just trying to do on of the 12 v wires and touching the bare ends to the metal on a (v cable and it seems to generate a 'twitch' in the switch motor, but does not move the switch so at least I know it is getting power... Im guessing I need the 12V transformer.. which I think I can get off of bricklink.. I just need to buy a power plug converter to US system....
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,694
    ^ Be careful to avoid the UK style transformer as they are 3 prong and the rest of Europe is 2 prong which is easier to get an adapter here in the US.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,787
    After messing around with the wires I got them to move so they work.. Forgot that I already have a 12v transformer from AUS.. just need to get the adapter/power converter to step it down to 120v
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,694
    @madforLEGO You can find them online for about 20.00 ( they are small and white ) or you can get a nicer one from Radio Shack for about $75.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,787
    Yep, but I think I also need to ensure that there is a voltage ste up/step down in addition to the plug adapter, correct?
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,694
    edited September 2012
    No, they are all one unit like this one that I run just test track with http://www.amazon.com/Franzus-FR-22-Reverse-International-Transformer/dp/B0010BLV4M or this one that I run my layout with http://www.voltagevalet.com/prod_vc_hdt/TU150UL.html . Although you might want something that is rated at a higher wattage than these.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,787
    Cool, thx..
    Just need to find the one that is for AUS 2 prongs...
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,694
    edited September 2012
    They should be the same as European but not the UK 3 prong.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,787
    Yeah but the prongs I see on the connector look something like this
    / \
    Im thinking this one will work...
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J40STK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A2PW3COF8DYEJF
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,694
    They must be different. I learn something new every day.
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