by BIG E » Thu Sep 01, 2016 4:21 pm
Once again, Todd, you found something I was looking for!
I just purchased one of these units today, and even if it is only 5 amps it'll be fine for my intended purpose - to power my Auto World HO drag strip that is used just for FUN racing and promotional events. I basically needed a little more "oomph" on the starting line. I never considered using the AW 13.5 volt unit and immediately started off using an AFX 22 volt wall wart (the Tri Power type). Believe it or not, even with that supply (which is probably .5 amp at best), if two drivers punch it at just about the same time the cars (even stock Aurora Thunderjets) would occasionally "stutter" on the starting line for a few seconds and then finally take off - not fun, especially at the promotional events with newbies. (Of course the track rails and pick up shoes are all clean and in good condition.) That's why I wired two old Aurora 20 volt tan metal box Model Motoring transformers together (which gives me maybe 1 amp at best) and tried that. Seems to be working so far, but for 40 bucks or so delivered to my door I figured I'd give this thing a shot.
Then I did something I usually never do. I looked at some electronic tech reviews on You Tube, and wasn't very encouraged by what I saw. Most of it seemed to be QC issues, like poor solder connections or a slightly loose lens on the front panel, which is no big deal. Like I said, it's gonna be used for FUN, not in the electronics lab or even club racing for that matter. Bad solder joints I can fix myself, and I can have one of the techs at work take a look if I really have a problem. So, for this low price it should serve it's purpose just fine - I'll probably just set it up once at 20 volts and then never touch the knobs again!
We'll see when it gets here in a week or so.
Hope all of us east coasters can have a SAFE and DRY Labor Day weekend. -- Enjoy! -- Ernie :>)