Amrap1 said:
Since I seem to be fansinated with lighting at this point and electricity is my weakest skill, Is there a tutorial here about lighting?
My idea was to use the 4 DC transformers I have to power different zones. I could mount them on a panel and use two for "day" lights like crossings lights and traffic lights. I could use the other two in zones for "night" lights to highlight certain buildings or areas.
Good idea or is there a better way?
Ed
Ed
That's actually a very good idea, because each of the zones can be at different voltages, and can be dimmed if the voltage is variable. Most folks who have gotten to the stage you are at end up using a bank of switches to control the lights (and change the appearance) because they don't have 4 variable power supplies.
I've never gotten a layout to your stage either, but am familiar with wiring and things electrical. The following is just some general tips - if you already know this just ignore the advice. It's worth every penny you paid for it.
- Having multiple variable power supplies for your lighting is obviously the best starting point, but most people don't have them, and would cost more than they want to spend on lighting.
- There are 2 practical types of lighting for models - LEDs and incadescent bulbs. LEDs are quite bright and directional, run cool, and have very long life times. LEDs are best used for headlights and spotlights, but are not as good for general area lighting. LEDs use DC power - can use AC but it gets tricky for the non-electrical inclined. Circuit must limit current through LED to 20ma or less, usually done with a 1K resistor in series on a 12-16 volt power supply. Resistor may eliminated if voltage to LED is limited to 3 volts or less. Even then, it is still often desirable to have a variable resistance or voltage to vary brightness of the LEDs.
- Bulbs come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and voltages. The brighter they are, the hotter they run. Bulbs don't care whether power is AC or DC. Operating a bulb at about 10% less than rated voltage produces a yellower glow, and more important, doubles the bulb life. For example, if you have a 14 volt power supply, use 16 volt bulbs or two 8 volt bulbs in series. Cheapest source of small low voltage bulbs (commonly 2.5 volts) are Christmas tree light strings. Cut the string at the number of bulbs needed to slightly exceed the voltage of your power supply (5-6 bulbs for a 12 volt supply).
- You are going to have to document your wiring, lights, and power supplies so you will know what ratings you used at a later date (when it's time to replace bulbs).
- If you use bulbs to light structures, make sure you can get them out to replace them. Bulbs will show up any non-light-tight joints and walls on your buildings. Painting the interior walls and setting up light baffles (interior walls) is often recommended. Hang the lights from the ceiling - if you put them on the floor, you will see them through the windows.
my thoughts, your choices