Power Goes Out :( Why Not Use A Battery?


afleetcommand

afleetcommand

Well-Known Member
So two things inspired this video, first a storm taking down the power lines. Spent the better part of a day waiting. ( Last video took that time to finish a train project, the ep5 by K-line ) Wondered how hard it would be to use solar & battery as a source. AND i want to do an out door layout at some point. Another video for another day. SO after moving live stock I took one of the fence chargers parts and put this together. :)

 
I don't really think running trains would be the first that comes to mind during a power outage that I would install solar and batteries to support it.
I have solar panels and have been trying to get a Tesla Power wall installed since late July. They still haven't gotten back with me about the price or when they'll install it.
 
Great idea, beats sitting in the dark eh?!
I’m busy installing these gizmos, this one is on the furnace and next one is going on the basement plugs circuit which does the sump pump, internet, tv, and of course the train room! 😉
PXL_20241124_004242138.jpeg
 
A short, when using a typical automotive-type battery, can weld parts together, melt them, or turn them red hot, with its huge amperage compared to normal train power. At least use a low capacity fuse, circuit breaker, or fusible link when using a large battery.

Bruce
 
bcp said:
A short, when using a typical automotive-type battery, can weld parts together, melt them, or turn them red hot, with its huge amperage compared to normal train power. At least use a low capacity fuse, circuit breaker, or fusible link when using a large battery.

Bruce
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Goes thru the K-line transformers. They are fused. The DC to AC inverter is fused, And in addition the entire distribution system for the layout is fused for when I was using a 20 amp capable variac. And as things to think about while having a power outage..... I heat 100 percent with wood culled from my logging operations. Can cook on said wood stove, Have an infinite supply of fuel. And when waiting .... I have battery powered lighting in the saw shop to build /repair the chainsaws I do. ( A side business ). So when not working & waiting what better distraction than trains? Replicated some of the saw shop amenities in the train room & room I'm setting up to build and hack on my toy trains :)
 
Rico said:
It’s a transfer switch, it toggles between the normal house power and the generator (inverter) when power goes out.
The black rubber plug is where an extension cord plugs in.
I just noticed the blood smears too, yup it wouldn’t be one of my projects if I didn’t bleed somehow… 😬
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That's really a cool setup. Prolly going more seriously solar on the top of my farm, have a full shop up there. ( No trains, just an excavator & farm tractors )
 
afleetcommand said:
Goes thru the K-line transformers. They are fused. The DC to AC inverter is fused, And in addition the entire distribution system for the layout is fused for when I was using a 20 amp capable variac. And as things to think about while having a power outage..... I heat 100 percent with wood culled from my logging operations. Can cook on said wood stove, Have an infinite supply of fuel. And when waiting .... I have battery powered lighting in the saw shop to build /repair the chainsaws I do. ( A side business ). So when not working & waiting what better distraction than trains? Replicated some of the saw shop amenities in the train room & room I'm setting up to build and hack on my toy trains :)
Click to expand...
Sounds safe. I remember long ago reading about scary incidents running trains directly off a car battery, and thought that might be happening here.

Even scarier, one early (1930's?) layout used a DIY locomotive powered by a food mixer motor with 110v in the rails.

Bruce
 
bcp said:
Even scarier, one early (1930's?) layout used a DIY locomotive powered by a food mixer motor with 110v in the rails.
Click to expand...
Sounds like the stupid stuff we did as kids!

We would take our slot cars and twist leads on the motors and use an old Tyco transformer to wind them up all while we were holding them in our hands. No eye protection, or anything like that. We would make them thing absolutely sing on full voltage.

Thinking back at how dumb that probable was with plastic gears and way over-powering those cheap Chinese engineered slot cars. But boy was it sweet sounding!
 
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