Tomix power supplies

[Jack]

What's the difference between the 5506 and 5507 power supply? Will either work in the USA?

[chadbag]

I don't know what the difference is.  I don't use Tomix controllers.  They both say TCS, which appears to mean they work with their automation system.  At least one of them mentioned constant lighting, which tells me its PWM power and not pure analog DC.

 

I have two DC type controllers as I am mostly DCC and use these to test new units, etc.  One os Athearn but the other is a KATO Japanese 22-012 model, which I don't think is PWM, but which is the Japanese model and has worked fine for me in the US without converter.  The normal 100V in Japan is close enough for most things to "just work" in the US in my experience.  

 

We have multiple appliances we've brought back including a Japanese domestic (non multi voltage) rice cooker we've been using almost daily for more than 20 years.  The rectifiers and other electronic bits etc that convert should be able to handle the 10-20% higher voltage.  (100V -- 120V range instead of around 100V).  

 

Disclaimer:  I am not an electronics expert, nor do I play one on TV, and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night so YMMV and at your own risk.

 

[cteno4]

On the 5507 on the hs website you can see it’s a 100-240v 50/60hz adapter so will work around the world. The picture is a bit too fuzzy to see for sure on hs for the 5506 but it does look to be 100-240v but something you want to verify. I’m sure there is someone here that has a 5506 that can verify.

 

most things are now universal power supplies if a wall wart is involved, but always good to check.

 

Chad is correct most 100v ac stuff can usually handle 100-120v ac, but I would not leave it plugged in when you are not there using it. Fire from something like this could dead to insurance issues. Like a 15 years or so ago there were insurance alerts (I had some business insurance and they sent constant alerts on details like this) about voltage converters non standard voltage appliance use and if found in an electrical fire would void insurance coverage. It was also one of the standard questions I got asked every year. May not still be the case but it is pushing it a little to keep overloading it all the time. Simple to just unplug when not in use.

 

jeff

[bill937ca]

The 5506 can operate signals and the operating crossing gates. The 5506 also can provide continuous lighting function.  The cheaper 5507 does none of these functions but switch controls can be plugged in.

Edited January 14 by bill937ca

[MeTheSwede]

1 hour ago, cteno4 said:

On the 5507 on the hs website you can see it’s a 100-240v 50/60hz adapter so will work around the world. The picture is a bit too fuzzy to see for sure on hs for the 5506 but it does look to be 100-240v but something you want to verify. I’m sure there is someone here that has a 5506 that can verify.

 

 

They both have 100-240V printed on them. With possible exceptions for discontinued products that hasn't been sold for years, all the Tomix power supplies should be usable world wide with a plug adapter to make it fit into the wall socket.

 

 

 

[Jack]

Thanks everyone

[brill27mcb]

Both will work in the U.S. Both can take 120 VAC 60 Hz input, but as products designed for the Japanese market lack any U.S. Underwriters Lab approval (so Jeff's advice to unplug when not is use is valid).

 

5506 TCS Power Unit N-1001-CL is a full-feature power pack with total output of 1.2 Amps:  0-12 VDC 0.7 A for trains (dial control, forward/off/reverse slide switch) with CL (constant lighting) outer ring adjustment dial (this merely lets you physically set a minimum pulse width that is enough to light the lights but not enough to turn over the motor), 12 VDC 0.2 A for Tomix TCS plug (this is simply constant 12 VDC "accessory" power), and 12 VDC 0.3 A on left side for stackable points/turnout control boxes. It has an on/off rocker switch and a power/fault (green/red) indicator LED.

 

5507 TCS Power Unit N-600 is a newer-design power pack with a total output of 1 Amp:  0-12 VDC for trains (dial control, forward/off/reverse slide switch) but without CL (constant lighting), constant 12 VDC "accessory power" for Tomix TCS plug, and constant 12 VDC on left side for stackable points/turnout control boxes. (No breakdown of current capacities for each use seems to be provided, unlike the 5506.) It has an on/off rocker switch and a green power indicator LED.

 

So the main differences are the total amperage, no CL "constant lighting" feature on the 5507 N-600, the 5507 N-600 has a smaller size, its indicator LED does not light red for a power fault, and it costs less.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Rich K.

Edited January 14 by brill27mcb