Didn't work even using the proper resistors the track power blew them out
and i'm wondering why ???
TerryinTexas
See my Web Site Here
http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/
Don't try to use DCC track voltage for signals, but if you did use 1K Ohm resistors it should have worked without blowing out the LEDs.
The idea was to allow a Peco electro frog turnout to work as a switch by picking up the track power
from the route setting of the turnout to light the signal
and yes even using the resistor they still blew
and in theory it should work
Did you include reverse voltage protection for the LED in the circuit? LED's are not designed to withstand the reverse voltage they will encounter when fed directly from the DCC track power. You can place a regular diode in series with the LED to block the reverse voltage.
What size resistor?
BTW, DCC is a pulsed DC signal which makes it look like AC( alternating current). In other words, it won't drive an LED which looks for straight Direct Current. You would have to convert the pulsed DC to DC first. I don't know if a rectifier will work for that, someone else could comment, but to me at first thought, it should.
A cheaper alternative is likely going to be the good old fashion light bulb(they work with AC, DC or DCC)--Micromark and others have them in colored versions. They last 1000s of hours and for even longer life you can add resistors. Please keep in mind not to assume your voltage on the track is 12. It's probably more like 14, maybe more--so measure first to calculate the proper resistor.
Richard
I've used a small, 1 Amp bridge rectifier in addition to resistors to place an indicator on one Peco turnout, but the LEDs tend to flicker as a train goes through it.
On all the others I used a very small microswitch and the 5 Volt DC output of a computer power supply.
Here are the diagrams you are looking for:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/signaling.htm
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Thanks hope it works