I am on my second attempt at an operational hi-rail. The first one will probably become a nice static modelwall1, but this one I am hoping to try something new. I know that there are some rtr ones available, but I am pretty set on making my own. As for now I could use some help...
I am going to be using a motor from Radio Shacks Zip Zaps to power the beast, but I am having a hard time figuring out how to get the voltage down. I plan on making this DCC compatible and since the motor runs on a 1.2v 100mah battery, I need to get the 12 volts down to 1.2 or 1. Will a simple resistor do the trick, or will there need to be some complicated electronics involved? I have read that using a single resistor to down-step that much will push it to its limits and it will have a melt down. If that is the case, will a series of resistors do the trick, or is there a safer approach?
I have asked before about using a capacitor to help provide power over rough track, but have been advised to steer away from that approach. However, I have since found some threads discussing the use of bi-polar capacitors accross the motor function wires. Has anyone here had any experience using these? If so, how do you determine what size will work?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
I am going to be using a motor from Radio Shacks Zip Zaps to power the beast, but I am having a hard time figuring out how to get the voltage down. I plan on making this DCC compatible and since the motor runs on a 1.2v 100mah battery, I need to get the 12 volts down to 1.2 or 1. Will a simple resistor do the trick, or will there need to be some complicated electronics involved? I have read that using a single resistor to down-step that much will push it to its limits and it will have a melt down. If that is the case, will a series of resistors do the trick, or is there a safer approach?
I have asked before about using a capacitor to help provide power over rough track, but have been advised to steer away from that approach. However, I have since found some threads discussing the use of bi-polar capacitors accross the motor function wires. Has anyone here had any experience using these? If so, how do you determine what size will work?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!