Landscape Lighting Transformer Repair/Customize?

[mpire]

Ok, so my landscape lighting transformer has given up the ghost.

For some reason it just blinks on and then shuts off after a second. Then in about 20 seconds it tries again. Blinks the lights and shuts off.

So the large black spot on the controller board seems to be indicative of an issue. However, I don't really care as I would like to put it on a simple toggle switch so I can turn it on and off with a switch.

Can I just connect the 120v power directly to the coil and just put a switch on the *********** wire? I am currently researching this to see if it will work or not. I am not sure what the module does other than add a timer and a light sensor to turn on and off the transformer.

Input= 120V ac, 60hz, 2.7a
Output= 12V/14V AC, 300W max

The end goal is to run it off a simple relay that I can control with an Arduino. Currently the Arduino sprinkler system is right next to where I keep the ballast, so it would be super easy to just add another relay and add some code to the Arduino.

Let me know if you think this is going to work. I can just get another one for $30, but I would much rather have it controlled by the Arduino.

[/IMG]

 

[MTW]

Can I just connect the 120v power directly to the coil and just put a switch on the *********** wire? I am currently researching this to see if it will work or not. I am not sure what the module does other than add a timer and a light sensor to turn on and off the transformer.

Input= 120V ac, 60hz, 2.7a
Output= 12V/14V AC, 300W max


Let me know if you think this is going to work. I can just get another one for $30, but I would much rather have it controlled by the Arduino.

The main function of that board is the bridge rectifier and voltage regulator, timer and photocell are convenience add on's. Not so with the rectifier.

Sounds like the real problem is with the underground wiring loop leaking current, causing the power supply to overload, then cut out on thermal protection as designed, before letting out the magic smoke. Looks like it's been letting out some puffs for a while now, but is still trying to work, just going into immediate overload.

My guess that a replacement unit will likely do the same thing with the same ratings. If it were me, I would measure the current draw of the loop to determine its demands and compare to the rating of the power supply. If the loop current exceeds the current rating of the supply you have a problem with the loop wiring or too many lamps. If the loop current reading is less than the supply current rating, then that indicates that the supply is the cause.

Troubleshooting first will avoid smoking replacement power supplies to realize there is a problem in the loop. Trying to run the supply with no rectifier, overload thermal protection could end badly.

MTW Ω

 

[mpire]

Its cutting out with just a single 25w lamp connected to it using a test line. So I don't think its current draw.

So I need to find a rectifier then I guess, or just a simpler landscape lighting transformer without all these digital controls.

 

[Mr. T]

If the output to the lighting is truly AC then rectification is just for the control.

I guess if you build a proper supply out of the (good?) transformer there is nothing wrong with that in theory.

Properly fusing the primary and secondary as well as bonding the secondary (if not an auto transformer) would be important. You know for safety and whatnot.

Although an appropriate relay to interface with the Arduino might run you about the same amount as a new unit you could "hack."

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ok, so my landscape lighting transformer has given up the ghost.

For some reason it just blinks on and then shuts off after a second. Then in about 20 seconds it tries again. Blinks the lights and shuts off.

So the large black spot on the controller board seems to be indicative of an issue. However, I don't really care as I would like to put it on a simple toggle switch so I can turn it on and off with a switch.

Can I just connect the 120v power directly to the coil and just put a switch on the *********** wire? I am currently researching this to see if it will work or not. I am not sure what the module does other than add a timer and a light sensor to turn on and off the transformer.

Input= 120V ac, 60hz, 2.7a
Output= 12V/14V AC, 300W max

The end goal is to run it off a simple relay that I can control with an Arduino. Currently the Arduino sprinkler system is right next to where I keep the ballast, so it would be super easy to just add another relay and add some code to the Arduino.

Let me know if you think this is going to work. I can just get another one for $30, but I would much rather have it controlled by the Arduino.

[/IMG]

the white wire is the neutral/grounded conductor. Neutrals should never be switched unless the ungrounded conductors are switched at the same time.

 

[mpire]

Ok, so here is what I have figured out so far.

The transformer is just a regular transformer, so the little controller module isn't necessary and probably just does the timer and light sensor. There is no fuse that I can see on this board, so I will probably add one just to make myself feel good going forward.

I put wire nuts on both white wires and both black wires and plugged them into a surge strip with a switch. Then powered it on.

There are two coils.

Low side = 11.67v
High side = 14.78v

After about 50 feet of test line and a singe 25w lamp, I measure 10.68v on the line. I will have to decide if I want to go with the high or low side after I hook it back up to the landscape lighting.

I will add a toggle switch, LED, relay, and a fuse after before I permanently install it.

The relay on the module is just a cheap 12v relay. Funny thing is that without the relay, the transformer doesn't buzz nearly as loud as before.

It says its rated at 2.7 amps, so would I be good to go with a 3 amp 120v fuse?

Feel free to chime in.

 

[mpire]

Fuse and holder from Amazon on the way.

 

[mpire]

Ok, so here is the final update...

It all went together pretty easy. I ordered a fuse holder and some 3 amp fuses from Amazon.

I have a short somewhere when it rains, because this morning it blew the fuse on me. So I think we have had a successful test of the system!

Some of my lamps are in a pretty bad state. I will be looking into making my own LED lamps in the future because I have bags of thousands of LEDs and resistors laying around from a previous project. It can't be that complicated to make up a 24v lamp.

So here is the basic setup:

I closed it back up with an additional switch on the front.

That's it. You don't really need a fuse I guess, but it makes me feel better having one and knowing it can blow.

Now I just hit the button on my phone app and it turns on the lights and does a 2 hour countdown before they turn off automatically.

Next up is to get all the electronics installed in a pretty box with a door and mount that on the wall in the garage. Currently its just sitting in a shoe box.

Also, I ordered a larger 22mm LED lense so its more obvious when the landscape lights are on.

Its all controlled from my phone, and its a pretty slick setup that I wrote myself.