I just installed a Digitrax DH163AO decoder in my new Atlas RSD4/5. The engine runs ok, but I can't get the lights to work. I have installed decoders before,and never had this problem,can anybody help me on this problem.
I am using 12 volt grain of wheat bulbs with red and white wires.
Hank
I am not familiar with that decoder. Do you have a multimeter? Check the output voltage of the headlight circuit. Could it be 1.5 volt and not enough to power the headlight bulb? Is the bulb ma rating compatible with the decoder spec.?
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
DH163 series decoders put out 12 volts on the function outputs. However if it was a recent purchase it might be a DH165 series - the DH165A0 has built-in current limiting set at 15ma to drive 1.5 volt bulbs or LEDs with no resistors. A 12v bulb won't light - the decoder instructions show how to bypass this and get 12 volts out of the decoder - use the pad labelled 'blue' in the instructions and the F0F connection (blue is the decoder common, positive) and you will get full votage without the limiter.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
RED and WHITE wires? No, No! The light should be connected to the BLUE and WHITE wires. RED is power pickup from the right-hand rail. You may have blown the decoder's function output by connecting the light to the red wire instead of the blue.
davidmbedard Hold on a second, he is saying that his bulbs have red and white wires. The problem is that this board is set up for LEDs. You will have to buy a few LEDs for this install. David B
Hold on a second, he is saying that his bulbs have red and white wires.
The problem is that this board is set up for LEDs. You will have to buy a few LEDs for this install.
David B
Maybe. It hasn't been determined if he has a DH163A0 or a DH165A0. Maybe the lights really are connected to the red wire. Which would not blow anything, it would be half wave wiring.
It would help if Hank41 would be more responsive since he started this thread. Otherwise, we are all just guessing at the problem and solutions to it.
This same thread was posted in the General Discussion portion of this forum. As I suggested there, a good approach would be to test all new engines on a DC-powered track before installing a decoder for DCC power. That way, proper operation of the engine and the lights can be confirmed.
If the lights work on DC power, then something is wrong with the wiring of the decoder including the possibility that the absence of a resistor may have burned out the bulbs.
If the lights don't work on DC power, then you know that the bulbs are faulty. At this point, however, the light bulbs may have been OK initially, but could have been destroyed by faulty installation on the decoder board.
Hank41, you need to help us help you.
Alton Junction