Function Only Decoders

[wholeman]

Does anyone use them?  I thought about using one in a passenger car.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[tbdanny]

I've used a Digitrax TL1 in a Kato N scale caboose to control interior lighting.  Install was pretty straightforward - two wires to the built-in power pickups, the other two to the LEDs.  The only problem I had was a semi-defective decoder - it wouldn't take a 4-digit address.  No big problem.

This decoder also came with the full range of  lighting effects and is small enough to fit into an N scale caboose without being viewable from the windows, so you should be able to fit it 'invisibly' into a passenger car.  Which scale is the passenger car?

[MisterBeasley]

As I recall when they first started marketing function-only decoders, they cost significantly more than a basic two-function motor decoder.

If all you need to do is control the interior lights of a passenger car, you would be better off finding the cheapest motor decoder you can and wiring the lights to the headlight functions.  You'll need to play games with a resistor across the motor leads to program it, but other than that it should be child's play.

I haven't tried this, but I suppose you could wire the lights to the motor function, and use it as a full-range dimmer.

[rrinker]

TCS has 2 function and 4 function function-only decoders, but they do indeed cost more than the T1 motor decoder. There's a disadvantage to using a motor decoder for just functions - most motor decoders need a load on the motor wires to be able to program properly, since the acknowledge pulse to the command station is done by blipping the motor.

 TCS motor decoders are very handy if you want to run a motoritzed accessory - there is a CV option to enable button control of the motor circuit, so it can be simply tuened on and off with a function button. If you want to use DCC to control a motorized accessory that is either on or off, and doesn't have or need variable speed control, this is the way to go.

                             --Randy

 

[Osibisa]

I've used TCS FL2's for many applications, most extensively in my proto subway cars for marker and headlights. I sucessfully programmed them using the JMRI interface on my Digitrax system with no issues. The wire harness that comes with these includes a decoder ground lead that enables the use of the TCS voltage regulator for 1.5v applications.

You should be able to obtain them for $12 or less via a few mail order houses.

Bruce

 

 

[Mark R.]

That's exactly where all my older decoders have been relegated to. Older Atlas, MRC and Bachmann decoders that have poor motor control or were noisy are now used to control lights only in passenger cars, cabooses and dummy engines !  In every instance, I just attached a 100 ohm / 1/4 watt resistor across the motor leads and it programs just fine.

Mark. 

 

[locoi1sa]

 I put a TCS FL4 in my gravel plant to control LEDs  for the rail crews and building lights. As far as cost it was $15. A 4 function motor controlled decoder is a lot higher in cost. Programing a function decoder is easy on the main.

      Pete

[rrinker]

Mark R.

That's exactly where all my older decoders have been relegated to. Older Atlas, MRC and Bachmann decoders that have poor motor control or were noisy are now used to control lights only in passenger cars, cabooses and dummy engines !  In every instance, I just attached a 100 ohm / 1/4 watt resistor across the motor leads and it programs just fine.

Mark. 

 

For safety's sake, if the decoders have start/mid/top, set it to 1,2, and 3 so it never applies much voltage across that resistor if someone accidently twirls the speed knob while the function decoder is selected. 100 ohms is safe for the motor drive - but it means at full voltage you'll get at least 120ma depending on your track voltage. 120ma through a 100 ohm resistor is 1.2 watts. Just a BIT more than .25 watt Fried resistor and melted shell, anyone?

                                    --Randy