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Question about Digitrax DH165A0 and Genesis Lights

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  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Alexandria, VA
  • 847 posts
Question about Digitrax DH165A0 and Genesis Lights
Posted by StillGrande on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:48 AM

I am confused by a statement in the manual for this decoder:

The DH165A0 is configured to control the forward-headlight F0F/white lead and reverse-headlight F0R/yellow lead for directional lighting. These two headlight function leads are current regulated for LEDs or lamps, with factory setting of approx 15mA, with no resistors required. Cut the ADJ link to increase headlight current to approx 30mA (see figure below).

Does this mean that with the Genesis Athearn bulbs I do or do not need to add resistors? 

Dewey "Facts are meaningless; you can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true! Facts, schmacks!" - Homer Simpson "The problem is there are so many stupid people and nothing eats them."
  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Victoria, BC
  • 54 posts
Posted by Don 2816 on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 7:11 PM

I installed a DH165LO in a P2K GP9 recently.  The decoder operated the 1.5 volt lamps very nicely without any resistors or adjustments to the decoder board.  If the lamps are not bright enough there is a connection on the board that can be cut to increase the amperage.

I'm not familiar with Athern engines but I will assume they use 1.5v bulbs too and you will not need to use resistors.  If they use 12v bulbs, I imagine they will not be very bright.

I just replaced the light bulbs in my engine with 3 volt LEDs and they look great using the basic 15ma.  I also installed a Soundbug and it too is working nicely.

Don

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: DFW
  • 29 posts
Posted by pandabear on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:22 PM

There is a problem with the AO and hooking up the lights. I found out I have the same problem with my SD75, and found the answer at Digitrax's website in the Tech Support Depot. Here's the link:

http://www.digitrax.com/kb/index.php?a=1156

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Alexandria, VA
  • 847 posts
Posted by StillGrande on Thursday, May 1, 2008 1:48 PM

Thanks to both of you.  I picked up a couple of them and have not gotten around to installing them yet.  I was slowed down because of the confusion about the resistor question.  I'd rather not have to replace bulbs, but it also seems like resistors around here are scarce. 

Dewey "Facts are meaningless; you can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true! Facts, schmacks!" - Homer Simpson "The problem is there are so many stupid people and nothing eats them."

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