I have a Proto SD7 (40000) series decorated in Burlington Blackbird scheme, and would like to wire the added Custom Finishing MARS lights with a Soundtrax decoder. Can anyone give me some advise on how to do it? The basic unit does not have a MARS functioning light.
RicZ
Do you have a soundtraxx decoder already installed? What "basic unit" does not have a Mars functioning light?
I have soundtraxx tsunami's installed and the CV's are capable of changing the hyperlight effect to the Mars light (one of the many light features). I installed a basic LED light, programmed CV 49 to 130 and have a Mars light. Don't see why you would need a "Custom Finishing MARS Light"
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What is the model number of the Soundtraxx decoder?
If by chance the decoder you have does not support a mars light function then you have really 2 options IMO.
1. Replace the decoder with a newer generation decoder like a Tsunami.
2. Add a light function onld decoder like a TCS FL2 http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Literature/Decoders/HO_Scale/FL-Series/FL2.pdf
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Thanks fellows, this answers part of my question. The model is a Proto SD7 (4th series - standard DC) that I am modeling as a Burlington (CB&Q) unit. I have not purchased the decoder yet, so will go with a Tsunami for an EMD first generation diesel.
Second half of my question is, what do I need to add to the Custom Finishing Mars lights (they stick up above the front and rear of the loco), to get them to work? That is, how may lamps or LEDs are required, and how are they set up to function? If 2 lamps are required, would a set of fiber-optic strands work? There is not much room in these detail parts
Thanks again for you help.
Simulated Mars affect can be accomplished with a single light source. A small surface mount LED like at this link might work http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/the-350/Miniature-Surface-Mount-LEDs/Detail or as you suggest, threading some fiber optic might be a solution. I have used these small LED's in a ditch light application on one of my sons SD70's. It required drilling out a detail part and threading small wires. You would be faced witha similar challenge no doubt.
If you have room you can mount a 3MM LED in the Mars light location on the model. Then with the Tsunami you can use function 5 or 6 to operate the LED. You will need to program the function to operate as a Mars light. Then you can remap and have the Mars come on with the headlight or you can operate it buy itself using F5 or F6 depending on which function you wired the LED to. Tight for space? Us a surface mount LED.
Thanks to all. Great help.