Goofy power question

[DrumPhil]

Still planning my first wood track, and I realized that any way to cut costs would help me get it built sooner. Then I had a goofy idea. Tell me if this will work.

I found an old laptop power supply: says 19V, 3.42A. So I'm wondering, can I use that for a free power supply and run it through a DC voltage controller (to reduce power) and reversing switch? I found a $12 unit (see photo) that should give me both voltage control and reversing switch. Will that work?

Also, do I need an inline fuse, like maybe 3A, or am I okay without it since the PS only puts out 3.4A?

(If it matters, I'm planning on using a budget PM controller and only RTR to very mildly tuned cars.)

Thanks as always.

[RazorJon]

If you put 1 on each lane but 3 Amps for a 4 lane track wont be enough, I had a 2.5 Amp on a 3 lane and when I put my new PS on it was a big difference and I run tame motors, I think my 0-20 V 10 amp was under 60 bucks shipped

How clean is that PS? if its not filtered it will let AC leak in and that's hard on motors

[DrumPhil]

[HomeRacingWorld]

[2FER SLOTS]

I'll give you a walwart if you want it.

[RichD]

You can use that motor speed control to reduce the voltage, but the output would not be pure DC. If it was me I would use a variable voltage regulator like this one: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzLR4 ... A3NjdjNTZh .

[jcis4me]

For Power I'm using a 12 volt lawn tractor battery, less than 40 bucks at wally world. or even cheaper use the battery from your car, just run a couple of wires to the car and 12 volt power. Just saying to save costs...

[HomeRacingWorld]

The Tenma supply is about 26 bucks shipped. Cheaper than a battery, less space, no fuss.

Plus it's adjustable. At 2 Amps it's perfect for a 1 lane track.

[mattb]

I used a 1960's Sears 10 amp battery charger for 30 years. It probably had ac leakage, but I never had any motor problems in all those years. If you can find a cheap regulator for it you would be set. For your one lane track the power supply you have should be fine with the regulator you have shown.

[DrumPhil]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I love ended up going with an inexpensive 2-amp unit. I picked this one because it has continously variable voltage, instead of steps. It was about the same price as the one Harry recommended.

[HomeRacingWorld]

Nice choice. There are so many choices today, it's easy to find a decent source.