Transformer Replacement

[Mike Bett]

I have moved ( with my whole layout ) to California.
My system worked very well in UK using the 55005P Central Station and the 50110 Transformer.
I need to replace the Transformer but I can not find a 50111 which uses the US 110V input.
Can I use the Marklin 60195 instead?
If not any suggestions?

 

[phils2um]

The short answer is yes. You'll need to cut the plug off the 60195. Make sure you've got a VOM to check polarity as the 60195 has a DC output. Verify in your manual but I believe the + goes to the white power input and - to the black on the 55005P. But, you can use any 19-24 volt DC power supply that puts out around 100 VA, which is roughly equivalent to the 5A output of your 50110 transformer. A much-much less expensive and equally effective option is to buy a laptop type switching power supply off Amazon or Ebay. You should be able get a suitable one for around $30 and not feel nearly as bad about cutting the plug off!

 

[Greg Elmassian]

On Amazon, 20 volts and 4.5 amps is pretty common, under $20.... a little more looking will find 5 or more amps... 19 and 20 volts are pretty standard voltages for laptops.

The bonus will be that these supplies are regulated DC, I do not believe the LGB is regulated.

Greg

 

[Dan]

The 50111 is a 6 amp 18 volt transformer unit. This is 25.452 volts AC if the line input is 117vac.
This indicates to me that the equivalent DC power needs to be at least 24 volts at 6 amps or more.
I have both the 55000 and the 55005P units and have them tied to separate 24 volt DC 6.5 amp regulated power packs and have had no issues for over 10 years now.

 

[Walts-Playmobil]

If you had come to the UK from the USA you could get a 230v to 110v transformer with the correct plug and socket. Have a look and see if there is a 110v to 230v transformer in the USA with the correct plug and socket.

 

[Paul M]

I thought that over there they did use 220V in certain circumstances, for cookers and things. Perhaps Greg will help out

 

[Mike Bett]

HI guys,

Many thanks for your replies.
Instead of the Marklin transformer I have purchased a 300W step up/down transformer that converts the US 110V supply to UK 240V. which means I can use my 50110 and 55005P and no plugs to replace. It cost only $29.

I have a 5000W version that runs all my power tools and garden equipment, it works just fine, but cost a tad more!

 

[Mike Bett]

In answer to Paul, yes they do, particularly for Kitchens and Utility rooms.
No good for this situation as it is 2 Phase.

 

[Paul M]

In answer to Paul, yes they do, particularly for Kitchens and Utility rooms.
No good for this situation as it is 2 Phase.

Sorry I thought it might be a similar set up to our 480v

 

[phils2um]

I have purchased a 300W step up/down transformer

I was almost going to suggest that as an option. I still have a similar Stancor step-up transformer I used with two LGB 5006 220V transformers purchased in Germany along with 5007 analog controllers. I still needed an extension cord that accepted German mains plugs and whose plug I had to convert to US. Cost for the step-up transformer, extension cord and replacement plug was about $120 in todays money - note that it was bought before the internet age in 1983! I see the price of step-up/step-down transformers like all electronics has really plummeted in the intervening years.

You still might consider one of todays inexpensive regulated DC switching power supplies. It would actually supply cleaner power to your Central Station than the LGB transformer.