Power Source Question - Hobby Transformer

[Kurr]

Had this floating around in my head since I learned of VV / VW devices. Any chance of using a model train rectifier as a power source for vaping?

I have one that is a Tyco Model 889 V Hobby Transformer.

Input: 120 V, 60 AC
Output: 18 V DC 9 VA 20 V AC

Thats what's listed on it, connectors for dc track only and ac accessories only, forward and reverse directions and stop to full control for variation.

Just a curious idea I had, thought I'd ask those smarter than I, maybe learn something new.

 

[BlkWolfMidnight]

I don't know that it would handle the load, in theory it should but then again your pushing a direct drive return system, a motor though runs about the same idea will not return any live voltage as the motor itself uses it to run.
Anyone else want to chime in on this one..

Again, I'm not sure that it would and I'm not sure that it won't. If I did try it then would do it in a controlled environment with fire control equipment around just in case something happens.

Guess its the next best thing until Nuclear fission batteries become a reality.

 

[twgbonehead]

9VA is basically 9 watts. At 18 volts, that's only half an amp.

You would need a very high resistance head (36 ohms or higher) and you'd only be able to go up to 9 watts.

Not the greatest choice, by a long shot!

 

[twgbonehead]

If you're looking for a tabletop vaping supply, something like this is more what you're looking for:

30V 10A 110V Precision Variable DC Power Supply w Clip Cable Digital Adjustable | eBay

 

[Bunnykiller]

what would be the best to use is an old time car battery charger.... use the 6 volt setting... will deliver the amps required to fire off a coil

the important factor in heating up a coil is the amps..... 1 volt at 1000 amps into a 1 ohm coil will deliver 1000 W

 

[Bunnykiller]

If you're looking for a tabletop vaping supply, something like this is more what you're looking for:

30V 10A 110V Precision Variable DC Power Supply w Clip Cable Digital Adjustable | eBay

I used an old power supply from an old computer ... the 5 volt output... worked great...

 

[twgbonehead]

I used an old power supply from an old computer ... the 5 volt output... worked great...

Yeah, there's lots of supplies that will work fine. But what I like about the one I recommended is that
a) It has current-limiting on it; you can set the maximum current you want, and it will very benignly refuse to go over that limit; even if you have a dead short.
b) You can adjust the voltage (or crank the voltage up and adjust the current) to play around with vape power
c) It also shows you the voltage and current at which you're vaping.

I've used mine for a bunch of tasks; you can torch wire with it, you can measure the resistance of a coil under actual firing conditions (need to be able to divide, though).

It's a fun toy, and not that expensive as far as a piece of vaping equipment goes! (And you can get a 5A version for about $55).

 

[twgbonehead]

what would be the best to use is an old time car battery charger.... use the 6 volt setting... will deliver the amps required to fire off a coil

the important factor in heating up a coil is the amps..... 1 volt at 1000 amps into a 1 ohm coil will deliver 1000 W

Great idea about using a car-starter!

HOWEVER:

Sorry, 1 volt into a 1 ohm coil will deliver 1 watt.
1000 volts into a 1-ohm coil will deliver 1000 amps (and a megawatt of power!)
31.6V across a 1-ohm coil will deliver 1000W

Volts, amps, ohms, watts; you only get to pick 2!

 

[Kurr]

Great information and thanks for the links!

 

[Sgt.Rock]

Hmm... I have a Pyramid 12 volt, 52 amp power supply sitting right here that I never even considered messing with--it usually just keeps my battery bank that powers my radios and my mobile ham amps charged up.

Now you got me thinking...lol