Dennis Murphey asked 2 years ago
Model train transformer track power 5 to 17 VAC to Engine installed ESP 8266 requiring 5VDC
I have found Train Code for the ESP 8266 i really like, But i am struggling to get the track power conditioned for the ESP 8266 to run reliably. I have a Rectifier to get DC from the track AC in the Steam Engine tender. I have a Buck Boost board i set to 8VDC output i use to make the smoke. From that output I tap the 8VDC into a LiPo Battery Charger set to 5VDC. This requires an On/Off Switch to the Battery Ground when not in operation. But i am still struggling with reliable operation. I tried taking the Buck Boost Board down to 5VDC and powering the ESP 8266. That worked shortly then fried the Max Amplifier and killed all sound. I tested the Board assembly off a USB and the Board was fine but the Amp was screaming hot and no sounds. If anyone has experience in such things I would greatly appreciate any guidance. I am an old Train Hobbyist and taking this leap has been quite interesting. But I have had very little experience in such small digital stuff. I can make the engines hum but the digitals like to smoke more than the engine sometimes. Thank You, D
Sara Santos Staff answered 2 years ago
Hi Dennis.
What ESP8266 model do you have? When you powered through the USB, what was the power source you were using?
What ESP8266 pins are you using to power it up?
Regards,
Sara
Dennis Murphey answered 2 years ago
I am using the Wemos D1 Mini, I have two sources, one my Laptop PC as in loading the sketch via IDE and the other is a 12 VCD AC transformer for use with a 5V 3.3V source for Broadboards. My Buddy Andy has designed a shield of sorts to hold the Wemos, several resistors, a transistor and a Max Mini Amplifier. On the Board we originally planned a LiPo Battery Charger But that source was to hard to get and expensive so I switch to a remote mounted Battery Charger and we had yet designed the engine mounting method for the charger or the battery. The input Pins route to the 5v and Gnd on the Wemos and are routed on the shield to the 5 V and Gnd for the Max Amp. The Shield was fabricated from Andy’s design in China. One of the other boards we used for power Distribution had blown a trace due to amp load and thin trace. I just thought about that and wonder of the exiting trace is too small for the draw of the Wemos and Amp??? In the current layout I am using a Buck Boost board to receive the track power thru a Rectifier. That Buck Boost is set to 9V and it feeds two functions. 1) the Smoke controller that provides heated oil for steam engine smoke and it takes about 8V to operate. 2) the Charger Board for the Wemos sound and Puff & Chuff Function. Today i added a Buck Board to reduce the 9V down to 5V into the Charger but it may now be drawing the Amps down too. My challenge is trying to use the vintage Transformer method to control the train speed and power the digital stuff while the transformer is sending 5 to 17VAC to the track. Andy wanted me to abandon the idea and just say we will use constant 15VDC to the engine either from the 17VAC constantly on the track or with a Dedicated DC Power supply to the track. My problem was many of us still have older AC engines and while we can convert to DC easily we really do rely on the transformer type function for speed. I sure hope you can offer some encouragement, i have quite if a list of train guys that want to use the Wemos concept. Any guidance or direction would be most appreciated. Dennis from Frankentrain Laboratories on You Tube.
Sara Santos Staff answered 2 years ago
Hi.
It’s very difficult to troubleshoot this kind of projects that I’m not familiar with. Each case scenario is very different, and there are many variables that I’m not aware of.
I recommend searching for something similar on google “12 VCD AC transformer to power esp8266” and checking what other people are building and what problems they are having.
https://www.letscontrolit.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5971
https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/343221/how-can-i-power-a-nodemcu-from-a-12vac-building-intercom
You can also search more general terms like “12 VCD AC transformer to 5V DC”.
I think you can get better help if you search on forums dedicated to circuits.
I’m sorry that I can’t help much.
Regards,
Sara
Dennis Murphey answered 2 years ago
I fully understand. And I indeed did get on You Tube to search powering the ESP8266 to find several good lectures on the topic from 4 years back and forward. I also discovered several power conditioning devices that maybe useful. I have ordered test parts they are due today, tomorrow and monday. I also have isolated some code issues with a pulse generation. I need to rework the sketch which is sketchy for me so I am searching for help tn that area too. I remain hopeful and look forward to learning even in my advanced age how to make good / better sketch code for my wonderful Model Train inventions. If you happen across anyone interested in helping please give my contact email murpheyd@aol.com Again thank you for at least reading my dilemma and i hope to find solutions soon. D
Sara Santos Staff answered 2 years ago
Hi again.
Meanwhile, if you happen to find a good solution, would you be so kind to share it here?
It will probably be useful for other readers.
Regards,
Sara