I am thinking of building a little Constant voltage supply to install on my O Scale engines to power the classification lights through micro LEDs. Typically, these LEDs require between
1.8 and 2.3 volts, depending on their color (red, green, white).I was wondering if anybody has ever built such constant voltage supply with one of the micro voltage regulators offered by National Semiconductor LP295X series or other vendors. Apparently, these regulators are capable of delivering a constant 2.5 or 3.3 Volts under a low current to one LED or two LEDs linked in series. Micro light bulbs could be used as well.... This way, as soon as you apply some voltage to the rails, and even before the motor can start humming, the lights will be on.
One drawback though, is that all lights will be off when reversing the engine.....or you would have to install a dual system.
Any thoughs, ideas, schematics people may want to share?
Yves