How do you convert Easy Peasy lights to A/C

[Paradise275]

Is it possible to convert Rapido's Easy Peasy lights to track power so you don't have to use batteries?
Granted, you would have to have rail pickup which would be another issue.

Rick

[peteski]

I suppose you could try to convert them to track power, but that would not be a simple task.  Why not just purchase other lighting boards which are already designed to work from the track power (DC/DCC)?  Kato light boards are track-powered and DC/DCC compatible.

[craigolio1]

Peteski is correct. It's no simple task, but it wouldn't be any easier with a Kato lighting kit, I don't think. The Rapido LEDs are fed by two 1.5v watch batteries in series. Disconnect these and you have the same two power attachments as the Kato. Both would require current limiting, a bridge rectifier, and preferably a cap to stop the flickering. The benefit to the Rapido light kit is that you own it and it's already installed in the car. Both would also require power pick up. Either Kato trucks or power pick ups from Streamlined Backshops (he makes them to fit the Rapido truck). The power pick ups add a bit of friction. The Kato trucks roll as smooth as silk but you would need to modify the mount and the correct style may not be available if that matters to you.

It definitely requires some effort.

Craig

[craigolio1]

I should correct my self here. I've never used a Kato lighting kit and if Peteski says they are DCC ready then they must have the resistor and rectifier already. Perhaps they would be easier to use as far as the electronics side of things go. When it comes to electronics I defer to Peteskis wealth of knowledge 

Craig.

[peteski]

I should correct my self here. I've never used a Kato lighting kit and if Peteski says they are DCC ready then they must have the resistor and rectifier already. Perhaps they would be easier to use as far as the electronics side of things go. When it comes to electronics I defer to Peteskis wealth of knowledge 

Craig.

Yes, the original and the new LED lighting kit from Kato have a rectifier in order to be non-directional in DC, and to work in DCC. The original LED circuit has a current-limiting resistor. The new one uses a current limiting diode instead of a resistor.