Originally Posted by: DaleSchultz 
I am wondering if any one has used 12 DC to switch K-Track turnout motors reliably?
Reason I am asking is that I plan on building a bunch of K83- style modules (Using ESP8266) and I have 12 DC available that I could easily use for the switching power.
I know I could (and wil try it) but would like to hear from anyone who has been there and done that and how well it worked over time....
Failing that I could run a 16V AC line I have through a bridge rectifier and use that...
Hello Dale,
Best I can offer is a dull 15V AC (= 16V AC of Märklin accessory line on another day

)
Whilst from my physics (way, way back), power = current x voltage (AC or DC), I subsequently understand that DC is more "efficient" in delivering said power compared with AC, which I understand has higher "line losses" (shuffle-on-the-surface) : I do not know how much higher this "efficiency" is for DC, or if it is even relevant to the proportions we work in Modelleisenbahnen.
(I tremble at this point, in expectation of a scorching critique from the censorious expert ...
Per ...

)
In addition I gather that solenoids work with both AC and DC power (to wit the power to the solenoids from the k83 - see below)
I "built" a transformer (housing) around an Arlec transformer that had close to the tappings I needed for the various voltages on my original analogue layout around 1983 (the aluminium case in the image below shown on viewer's right in this section of my transformers under my current layout). At that date our domestic power supply was "240"V AC (given the usual fluctuations), but since then is now "230"V AC as in Europe and NZ :

In about 1995 I started to build a new (my current) layout in digital and used this transformer for various other non-digital functions (block relays, some signal light relay solenoids, uncouplers and the turntable). I also used the 15V AC for some turnouts I have that are not digitally controlled, they are mostly those in the steam service area (see in the image below, the smaller "remind-me" white indicator cards next to their indicated turnouts); they are controlled by the traditional Märklin press-button units on the viewer's nearly-far right of my control panel) :

I do use some 12V
AC on my layout provided by a large garden light transformer giving an ample 105 VA! but divided into 3 provider circuits, each limited to 3 amp current, however this is used only for layout lighting and to power signal lights. The 12V seems to give much the same gleam but at reputably extended globe life (yes, old-fashioned Brawa globes), mind you, many of my signals are LED.
The vast majority of my turnouts are digitally controlled and powered by the k83s as controlled by my 6021. Märklin advise that the voltage to the turnout from the k83 is about minus 20V DC (obtained by half-wave rectification and smoothing of the digital voltage in the k83 decoder, but of course applied by digital control for but a fraction of a second compared with manual control) whereas in traditional analogue mode they are powered by 16V AC :


So ... 15V AC, not close to your 12V DC but the turnouts seem to be quite swift and strong in action

. Given the somewhat higher power efficiency of 12V DC vs 12V AC I would hope it will work - I will be most interested to hear your results
Regards,
from Hobart at 42 degrees Celsius air temperature today and 42 degrees South latitude !

,
PJ