Okay, I'm not that great when it comes to electrical things. I know that you can't let the smoke out, but blending gadgets and gizmos requiring different operating voltages is not one of my favorite ruminations.

I bought a set of Tomar Caboose Marker Lights. Very cool. They have 1.5volt bulbs inside. Would like to install on either 'boose or a HW observation car. But connecting them to the existing wiring to run typical 3r variable AC is not going to make them happy for more than a fleeting second.

Would like constant lighting, too...minimum variation of brightness/life with increasing voltage.

So, have you done this? How did you do it?

Now, if this is the umpteenth time someone has dealt with this as a forum thread, magazine article, or clinical talk, please know that I DID try to find some info before posting this. However, when you're 65 and have little patience anymore, but DO have this forum of friendly fellows to help, well, what can I say.



KD

Assuming they are light bulbs and not LEDs. Use a 7805 regulator circuit. You will need a 7805 regulator chip, a small bridge rectifier,a 470uf capacitor,an optional 100uf cap, 4 1n4001 diodes and a way to mount them. Construct the circuit then on the regulated side install 4 1n4001 diodes in series in the proper direction. This will reduce output to less than 3 volts. Wire the 2 light bulbs in series to the regulator circuit in series with the diodes.

Dale H

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/psu_5v.html

here is a basic 7805 circuit. Input is DC the bridge rectifier is not drawn in. The 4 diodes on the output would reduce voltage further.

Dale H

This one's pretty easy to hook up using one of the interior bulbs. All you need is a full wave bridge rectifier, I've actually done this one with the Tomar markers. I know it said 4 bulbs but i just used 2.

http://www.mrollins.com/pwrsp2.html

Gregg

That is a good method if the caboose has an interior light bulb.

Dale H

I have a caboose that I added these to. Installed a radio shack 1.5 volt battery and holder in series with a mini slide switch to power the markers . The battery and switch are monted on the car floor behind the battery box. The lighting is perfect and it was easy and inexpensive to do.