Running lights on layout

[Brooklynzoo]

Lol what's funny guys is that I'm 35 an I have never had to shave ever. So let me see if I can get this right without sounding like a complete fool, I will cut the end off of a cell phone charger then connect it to the power strip from radio shack then the remote switches will have to wired into the strip as well then ill be able to remote switch the track if this is wrong please explain as if I'm 7 lol no offense will be taken.as you all you all can see I'm looking for a dummy way of doing the switches I was hoping for something like the ez commander with the push button that would have made my day

[Jerrys HO]

Brook

That is correct. The green wire from the turnouts is to control the points (rail that moves to the location you want train to go). The red wire from the switch control is what you will hook up to the barrier strips from Radio Shack.
The EZ Command will only work if you are using DCC turnouts that are decoder equipped.  Now you could replace the Bachmann controllers with momentary push buttons that can be gotten from Radio Shack as well. see the link below.

http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=13384949&kw=momentary%20switch&origkw=momentary+switch&sr=1

Jerry

[jbrock27]

LOL on the shaving!

Zoo, first question: are you running a DC or DCC layout?  (I am sorry if you stated this already.)

Second question: with regard to the power from the cell phone charger, do you have a multi meter that you can measure AC voltage with?

[Brooklynzoo]

I will running DCC... An I can get access to a meter if  I have to .

[Jerrys HO]

Brook

No layout is complete without a multi meter. You will need it for various reasons, checking track, voltage supply's, loco's and many other uses on the layout.
They should put one in every starter set.

Here's a good example that was given by richg and I use it regularly.

http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_Workshop/index.htm

By the way that meter shown is more than likely a Harbor Freight one for around $5.00

Jerry

[jbrock27]

I brought up the subject of the meter so you would be able to test the output voltage on the 2 wires of your cell charger, to make sure it does not exceed the recommended voltage for the switch machine.  I know for AC ones run on a DC layout, 20 volts and under should work.  But, I do not know anything about the requirements for DCC switch machines, so I will bow out on this subject and leave you in Jerry's capable hands.

[Jerrys HO]

jb

It is always good to check the voltage of any power supply before you use it.
As far as the turnouts that are not thrown by a decoder as in Bachmann's Item#44559 for example..
http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=258_366_367&products_id=2482

These are designed just like the switch machines used on your DC layout. I run all mine from the accessory (ac) posts from my power pack from a DC train set I had purchased.

The DCC turnouts as in Item #44136
http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=258_366_367&products_id=2506

These turnouts receive their power from the DCC controllers power off the rails. The points are thrown just as would select a loco from it's roster. Select the address assigned to that loco and then by activating the functions toggle the points by pressing the number assigned.

Jerry

[Doneldon]

jb-

Intuition. No, actually I don't have any idea as to his age. I don't even know
if he shaves wet or electrically. But a wall wart from an old shaver wouldn't
necessarily have to be from his shaver.
                                                                  -- D

[jbrock27]

Thank you Jerry, you have taught me something about DCC. 

I hear you Doc

If it were me, I think I would use an old power pack like from the group I suggested above, this way, if I wanted to use the DC contacts as well as the AC contacts, I could.  I am talking for things like LEDs.  Yes, I know, the DC on those old packs is variable, but if you had a multi meter, you could set the dial/throttle to produce the amount of DC voltage you needed, by measuring on the 2 contacts and leaving the dial/throttle in that position to produce the same voltage all the time.
I am planning to do just this with some signal lights I purchased from the Chinese Empire, that are DC LEDs.
Of course, if I already had wall warts to use, I would instead of going out and spending the money on a power pack.

[Jerrys HO]

jb

If you did a search under Jim Banner with the key word voltage, you would have as much knowledge as I have. I have printed every single post from Jim when he had responded. The man is a genius when it comes to electricity. His explanations are very thorough and easy to understand. As one poster quoted in one of his replies.. headache time! With so much to consume it will literally give you a headache.
Here's two links from him and notice one has our famous jonathan in it from a couple years back,and even then he was being admired by one of the best in this hobby. Wish he was still here to help out.


http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,13593.0.html

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,9243.0.html

Jerry

[jbrock27]

Thank you Jerry!