VR1 - 12v DC Voltage Regulator/Convertor/Protector

Automatically converts input voltage. Use where your model railroad or layout needs to smoothen or control input voltage to 12vDC output. Also converts opposite polarity automatically to the required polarity. Provides continuity in case of short interruptions, avoid flickering. Plug your layout lighting through the device. It will protect from accidental input of higher or lower voltage. The black wires are for input in AC/DC. The red and black outputs are DC and Red is positive. Should be placed carefully so that the components are insulated from the surface of the enclosure. Some heat is to be expected to be generated from some of the components. We suggest that you make sure that the components are not in contact with, or too near, anything that may be thermally sensitive especially if this is being placed in an enclosed space.

VR1 Technical:
Approx. Size: 55mm x 15mm x 25mm ( 2.25 inches x 3/4 inch x 1 inch).
Input/output wire leads are both 7in. (20cm) long.
Power:
Input: 1.5-2A at 9v -to- 0.5A at 24v AC/DC
Output: 800mA at 12v DC

VR1A:
VR1 is being replaced by the new model VR1A. In VR1A, wires have been replaced by screw blocks at the ends. The circuitry has been improved.

Note & Comments:
We have heard from one model train enthusiast that he is using these with a 6v input to achieve an 11.8v output which is sufficient for him for the S12 strips.

We have customers who use these to regulate power to PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag antennas for tracking fish.

Reed Sensor/Switch

Offers dramatic flexibility! Mount without screws. Can be exposed to the magnet either along its sides, or from the end. Flat side has higher sensitivity.

Place it on, or inside:
A Catenary mast or a signal mast. A trackside structure, under a footbridge or embed it in the edge of a platform. In curved tracks in many cases, when installed vertically. Adjust, by pulling up or lowering to suit sensitivity of the magnet.
In locos to sense wheel rotations. In a parked vehicle or even hidden in a rock or a tree... and many more creative placements.

Ease of Installation / Tips:
Both leads being together at the same end offer ease in wiring. Just one hole for both wires. In case of vertical mounting, no additional hole. Can be mounted on Catenary masts or other poles very discretly to sense a magnet mounted in cars or locomotives. Mount them under footbridges or inside tunnel ceilings. Place a magnet discretly on the top of the loco/car and have a unique mounting and sensing possibility. For example, in the chimney of a non smoking loco or a smoke stack of a caboose. If placed creatively, it can also be made to look like a part of the car or scenery.

Vertical Mounting:
Drill a 3mm diameter (or larger if needed) hole in the base, between the ties/sleepers. Drop the switch down to the correct depth as needed. If necessary, insert a wedge/shim (or e.g. tip of a toothpick) along the flat edge to hold it in place. If the shim is to be secured in position, dab a tiny droplet of glue between the shim and the base. This will keep the switch in position and glue-free. Still allowing it to be pulled or pushed out as needed. You may also wrap tape around it to tightly fit it in the hole. Feel free to use your own creative solution avoiding iron/steel or tin alloy material.

This method allows height (H) adjustment to achieve the most appropriate distance to the magnet in the locomotive or car for the sensitivity required. If the loco is moving very fast or slow over the magnet, in some cases the exposure is too short. Some testing and adjustment may be needed.

Similarly, the position of the sensor between the rails (along the ties/sleepers) can also be changed at the time of installation to suit the position of the magnet overhead and the slider which passes close by. This is very important in curved segments where this reed switch offers convenient and simple installation possibilities.

Experiment & see how they work suitably in your specific system design to enhance your layout or scenery !!

On the left, an example of a vertically mounted Reed Switch in Marklin HO scale K Track - shown by an "X".

Click Picture for a larger view.

Horizontal Mounting:
Lay the switch flat on the ties/sleepers or in between. Secure the switch to the ties/sleepers with double sided tape or any other means that you are comfortable with. Note that the flat face offers more sensitivity than the other curved sides.

The sensitivity of the reed switch may reduce by some glues, if they coat the surface being exposed to the magnet.

Reed Switch Technical Data Sheet:
Note: Pulls from upto 15mm
Download Here
or Click image for a larger view: