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Post by atsda on Jan 25, 2023 2:18:34 GMT
My newly acquired Lionel Covered Bridge does not illuminate. I originally thought that the 3 lights in it were incandescent type. When I opened the accessory to troubleshoot, I discovered that there were 3 LEDs. I connected the two leads directly to track power; using a KW transformer. Do the rectification circuits not handle the conventional sine wave output or does it nee the square pulse output from a new transformer? Can anyone shed some light (pun intended) on why the LEDs don’t work. Also, do LEDs have a constant illumination above a threshold input voltage? – that is, if on track power, illumination won’t vary with change in voltage? If the LEDs can’t run off conventional transformer, then what can be done? Alfred By the way, in the meantime, I am installing two screw-base light sockets and running incandescent off auxiliary power.
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Sept 2, 2023 22:36:27 GMT
Well, I'm not familiar with your particular piece, but any working LED placed directly across track voltage will have a very brief, very bright and completely terminal experience!  LEDs typically run on 3 volts or less, and have current-limiting resistors placed in series with them to prevent burn-out at the intended source voltage. Some LEDs rated for use on higher voltages have the resistor soldered in place near the LED (usually a bump in the shrink-wrap over the leads), while others use a separate resistor somewhere between the LED and the power source. LEDs *can* be run on AC, but I've heard they prefer a DC source for longevity. All I can suggest is to follow the wiring to be sure you don't have a loose or broken connection somewhere. Other than that, I suspect your LEDs may bitten the dust. You can use a single AA or AAA battery to test individual LEDs (the longer lead should be connected to the positive terminal IIRC -- just switch polarity if it doesn't light). Good luck! Update: I just reread your post, and I believe you meant you applied power to the leads from the piece, whereas I initially thought you meant you applied power directly to the LEDs. If so, sorry!  |
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