Feeding FREDS

[csxnscale]

Any idea how to pick power from metal wheelsets to feed a FRED ?
I have schematics to stabilize the power to feed the LED's, but have no idea what to use to pick the current from the wheelsets.
Thanks,
Paul

 

[jon-monon]

They sell copper pickups that go right to the tracks, or you can go to the wheels like a loco. You want real light pressure in either case,

 

[Fred_M]

Phosphor bronze wire was the old standard for wipers. I think MicroMark still sells it. I found it was easier to install 4 AAA rechargable batteries in HO equipment. If you use a CMOS flasher circuit (not a 555 or 556) they will run 2-3 weeks between charges 24/7. I use the self contained T-1 LED flashers and they also run 2 to 3 weeks 24/7 on 4 AAA NiMH batteries. Put a 220 ohm resistor in series with the battery/LED and charge the batteries with a 6VDC wall pack. I drilled a hole in the floors and installed standard plugs to charge them. If you are doing N you can get NIMH button batteries, but they would not last as long between charges. FRED

 

[csxnscale]

Thanks for the tips.
Paul