Hi,
I'm designing a coffee table with integrated n-gauge model train set to sit inside the table. I require mains power to the controller for the train and USB ports to come from the same power source.

I'm struggling a bit with how I'd wire all these together, circuits aren't my strong suit so any help would be much appreciated!!

Thanks in advance

 

Hi,
I'm designing a coffee table with integrated n-gauge model train set to sit inside the table. I require mains power to the controller for the train and USB ports to come from the same power source.

I'm struggling a bit with how I'd wire all these together, circuits aren't my strong suit so any help would be much appreciated!!

Thanks in advance

Can you tell us about the train set? is it a brand/model we can see online? are the USB ports for the train only or stuff like lights? which country are you in?

 

Can you tell us about the train set? is it a brand/model we can see online? are the USB ports for the train only or stuff like lights? which country are you in?

Thanks for responding. This is the kind of thing the train is going to be powered by:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evemodel-D...hvtargid=pla-2281435176658&psc=1&gad_source=1

However im struggling how to connect this to a usb hub for which other features of the table will be powered off. The usb ports are going to be on the exterior of the table for users to charge their phones etc.
I am based in the UK

 

This is the kind of thing the train is going to be powered by:

That 'thing' seems to be just a distribution device for 3V, 12V or some other voltage in the range 4-24V AC/DC to supply lights and needs an external supply in that 4-24V range. How will you actually control start/stop/speed of the train?
What voltage/current does the train itself need?

 

That 'thing' seems to be just a distribution device for 3V, 12V or some other voltage in the range 4-24V AC/DC to supply lights and needs an external supply in that 4-24V range. How will you actually control start/stop/speed of the train?
What voltage/current does the train itself need?

It will be connected to a controller, which will have a track connector to power the trains.

I have this so far but unsure how these would be wired together in a circuit/if this will even work?

 

You can buy 12V powered USB power sockets. They are designed for use in cars and caravans.
I recently got on from Ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321708070952

 

Thanks for responding. This is the kind of thing the train is going to be powered by:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evemodel-D...hvtargid=pla-2281435176658&psc=1&gad_source=1

However im struggling how to connect this to a usb hub for which other features of the table will be powered off. The usb ports are going to be on the exterior of the table for users to charge their phones etc.
I am based in the UK

OK. Well first the provision of USB ports for guests to charge phones, seems outlandish, that is easily done either by wall outlets with USB or simple USB adapters, placed in rooms.

e.g.



So, personally I'd drop the idea, buy a few outlets and get an electrician to install them, replacing the existing ones, end of problem.

Next, I suggest the entire table's system be supplied by a 12v DC adapter, no need to bring UK mains wires anywhere near the table.

Finally, I'm not sure what that gizmo does exactly, but the packaging and explanatory text on the pictures are all German, there's no way you can't find that kind of train control stuff in Britain, that's where the first steam engines and trains were developed, and don't forget Thomas the tank engine.

You need to power multiple LED lights, you need to be able to switch them on/off.

You need a way to control speed direction of the train, independently of the lights.

Powering a set of LEDs is easy, there are LED xmas lights that come with a remote controller of brightness, color, flashing etc, almost perfect for this.

As for the train control I'm out of touch these days, but don't train sets usually include a controller?

 

Exactly what you will need will depend on what you want the train set to do.
Will there be just one continuous track with just one train?
Will the track have branch lines with turnouts?
Will the train (trains?) be manually controllable, e.g. start/stop, speed, direction, etc.
Will the train(s) be controlled by the track voltage or a digital control system?
Once you have answered all the questions, it will be possible to determine what you need and how it will be wired together.