Replacement 9V AC/DC Wall Plugs

[Jeffinslaw]

Hey guys,

Recently bought a large lot of vintage 9V train sets and parts. The 9V AC/DC wall plugs are the 230V European version. Anyone have any recommendations on replacements for 110V US? Was looking at these ones on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-9V-Power-Adapter/dp/B00191WVF6/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&dpID=41UoeHnCcDL&dpPl=1&keywords=9v power supply&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&qid=1518564574&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_3&sr=8-3 but not quite sure on the plug type...

Thanks, Jeffinslaw

[Toastie]

Hi @Jeffinslaw

could work. Better to ask though: I believe the wall plugs were used to power the 9V train speed "regulators"?

Best
Thorsten

[fred67]

I have the US version of the speed regulator.  My regulator is labeled 9-12V (meaning, I assume, you can use anything in that range, although 12V will give you more power with the dial set to full).  The wall adapter is labeled 12VAC and 7VA.  I'm not an electrical engineer (not even a proper hobbyist), but I think that means you're looking at around 580mA, so the adapter you've chosen theoretically doesn't work well (only has 300mA).  If the adapter exceeds the amps you need, you're OK.

I think this one (also on Amazon) might be a more appropriate substitute, and it's the same price.

EDIT: For the record, the tip itself is correct (not sure about the polarity, but I've used similar adapters for musical instruments with my LEGO stuff and it's fine).  You're looking for a 5.5x2.1 (outside/inside diameter), it's pretty standard.

Edited February 16, 2018 by fred67

[dr_spock]

That Amazon one only provides 9V at 300mA.  Isn't the LEGO one 10V and 700mA?   9V ones do come in 1A or higher inexpensively on eBay. 

 

 

[Jeffinslaw]

Thanks for all of the comments guys! Looks like I will pick up several of the ones fred67 linked to.

Thanks!

[BrickMusher]

I once opened one of the regulator, analysed the electric parts and did some customizing. Some conclusions:

 

9-12V input voltage is possible

polarity of the plug dosn´t matter since there are rectifier-diods inbuild

AC or DC input is possible

Current up to 1,5 A is possible (the inbuild Thyristor can handle 1,5Amps and has an automatic shut-off when it´s becoming to hot, that means it will start working again when it has cooled down)

 

There are two versions of the speed-regulator know to me so far. One has a resistor-cascade in a single housing, while the other has single resistors for regulating the speed. On the last one, you can also change resistors to change the power-output on each of the speed-levels, but the max. output will never be higher as approx 9-10V (power drop due to the regulator circuit)

 

Customizing:

If you run your trains outside, you can also use a 12V Car battery as power supply for the Regulator, but I would recommend to use an extra fuse than because this batteries can provide a huge ammount of current!!!

Also the Thyristor can be replaced by more powerfull samples. I run up to 5 Amps with a modified regulator, but this needs definitely more cooling! So I used an old Computer-cooling device. Runs without trouble on exhibitions on weekends ( two days/ 8 hours, 10 Train-motors and really heavy loads)

 

If you have to buy new power-supply, I will highly recommend to buy one that delivers 1000 mAmp to 1,5 Amp of current!

 

regards

 

BrickMusher