Digitrax decoders and headlights

[Anonymous]

I have placed several plug and play Digitrax decoders in HO locos with DCC ready plugs, and the headlights won't respond to F0 function ( using Digitrax Zephyr Set). How do I get them working?

[Anonymous]

I have 2 suggestions.

1. Make sure you have a resistor in line with each light due to the higher voltage on DCC. If you dont use a resitor, you will blow LEDs and some bulbs, and the bulbs that dont blow will melt holes in your locos.

2. Take your engines to another layout and try it there. If the lights work on a different layout, the problem is with the Zephyr. If that is the case, email digitrax, you can send it back and they will fix it, free if its still under warranty.

[Meyblc]

Are you saying that resisters need to be added for any DCC conversion? I have converted all 26 of my engines. P2K's, Athearn Genesis F units, Atlas and a few BB Athearn. The only engine that I added an inline resistor to were the Athearn Genesis F units and only because the instructions clearly said to.

I have yet to have a light buld or LED blow. Maybe it is because I'm using the MRC PA. I have checked track voltage in several locations on my layout and it is pretty consistent with reading of 15.05 Volts Plus or minus a tenth of a volt.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Meyblc

Are you saying that resisters need to be added for any DCC conversion? I have converted all 26 of my engines. P2K's, Athearn Genesis F units, Atlas and a few BB Athearn. The only engine that I added an inline resistor to were the Athearn Genesis F units and only because the instructions clearly said to.

I have yet to have a light buld or LED blow. Maybe it is because I'm using the MRC PA. I have checked track voltage in several locations on my layout and it is pretty consistent with reading of 15.05 Volts Plus or minus a tenth of a volt.

Generally the DCC ready (plug equipped) engines dont need resistors. It is reccomended for the P2Ks, but you can get away with no resistor as long as you dont run very much at a time. The system has nothing to do with it though.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TA462

Sounds to me like resistors weren't added and the bulbs blew. What type of loco's are they?

For one, it's the Con-cor Pioneer Zephyr, and interestingly enough, the interior lighting works but not the headlight. So much for plug and play, now I gotta add a resistor?

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335


1. Make sure you have a resistor in line with each light due to the higher voltage on DCC. If you dont use a resitor, you will blow LEDs and some bulbs, and the bulbs that dont blow will melt holes in your locos.

It can also blow the light output on the decoder as the light draws too much initial current. Remember, you're sending full track power out to these things.. I have a couple decoders with nice little black pinholes in the shrink tubing where I let the smoke out of the lighting output, On DCC ready locos..

Kevin, Are they failing to work in BOTH directions?? The System shouldn't matter but what are you using to Power the layout (voltage)?? . I would check the DCC plug against a wiring diagram and make sure everything Is connected properly.. I've done some DCC ready locos that weren't so DCC ready ..

Still though, unless the locos are all the same manufacturer, it doesn't make sense that None of them work, unless you have the problem JPM335 describes..

Good luck,
Jeff

[Anonymous]

The locos I have that are factory installed DCC work fine, lights and all ( ie. Broadway Limited), so it's the individual locos I suppose. Now I guess I'll have to hone my electronic skills and learn how to evaluate resistance for bulbs etc. Any advice on a good manual or video to learn from?

QUOTE: Originally posted by rolleiman

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335


1. Make sure you have a resistor in line with each light due to the higher voltage on DCC. If you dont use a resitor, you will blow LEDs and some bulbs, and the bulbs that dont blow will melt holes in your locos.

It can also blow the light output on the decoder as the light draws too much initial current. Remember, you're sending full track power out to these things.. I have a couple decoders with nice little black pinholes in the shrink tubing where I let the smoke out of the lighting output, On DCC ready locos..

Kevin, Are they failing to work in BOTH directions?? The System shouldn't matter but what are you using to Power the layout (voltage)?? . I would check the DCC plug against a wiring diagram and make sure everything Is connected properly.. I've done some DCC ready locos that weren't so DCC ready ..

Still though, unless the locos are all the same manufacturer, it doesn't make sense that None of them work, unless you have the problem JPM335 describes..

Good luck,
Jeff

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kevinnelson

The locos I have that are factory installed DCC work fine, lights and all ( ie. Broadway Limited), so it's the individual locos I suppose. Now I guess I'll have to hone my electronic skills and learn how to evaluate resistance for bulbs etc. Any advice on a good manual or video to learn from?

If Digitrax ever re-releases it, the big book of DCC is pretty good.. You can probably find an older copy but it's going to be dated.. However, I'd just go to a manufacturer website and download one of the decoder manuals.. This is a good one with some generic information, resistors, Configuration Variables, etc..

http://www.ncecorporation.com/pdf/d13sr.pdf

For Digitrax, Look here..

http://www.digitrax.com/manuals.php
Jeff

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help!