Sorry to ask such an easy question, but I find decoder manuals either too lacking or an encyclopedia. Can you wire several outputs to the same light? For instance, could a forward headlight be normal on F0, mars light on F3, strobe on F4 by connecting three function wires to one lead of the light or led? Or must I reprogram the function each time? (example DH165). Thanks in advance. Kyle
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Kyleh24Sorry to ask such an easy question, but I find decoder manuals either too lacking or an encyclopedia. Can you wire several outputs to the same light? For instance, could a forward headlight be normal on F0, mars light on F3, strobe on F4 by connecting three function wires to one lead of the light or led?
I would worry that one is putting power backwards into the other two function outputs. Don't know if the circuits are made to handle that or not.
Yes, you can attach more than one function output to a light.
Thanks to all for the replies. I am converting my CSX DC layout to DCC. So far I have just installed a basic DH123, a Tsunami 1000 sound decoder and a SDH164D in three locos. I bought a Radio Duplex super chief, a PR3, and an old extra 100 throttle for the little guy. Upgrading wheelsets to metal on stock, adjusting couplers etc. All of this testing and programming is being done on the living room floor on a programming and test track. Soon I will move the Digitrax to the layout and wire it up correctly. I guess I have a month of research reading and a couple of weeks in the floor so far. These forums are great for information. Thank you for the help. Kyle
Texas Zepher Kyleh24: Sorry to ask such an easy question, but I find decoder manuals either too lacking or an encyclopedia. Can you wire several outputs to the same light? For instance, could a forward headlight be normal on F0, mars light on F3, strobe on F4 by connecting three function wires to one lead of the light or led? So you want to program three different effects on three different outputs and then select the effect by selecting the function for that output. I would worry that one is putting power backwards into the other two function outputs. Don't know if the circuits are made to handle that or not.
Kyleh24: Sorry to ask such an easy question, but I find decoder manuals either too lacking or an encyclopedia. Can you wire several outputs to the same light? For instance, could a forward headlight be normal on F0, mars light on F3, strobe on F4 by connecting three function wires to one lead of the light or led?
And this is why the common blue wire is the POSITIVE side fo the circuit - because the function 'outputs' WERE designed to handle this. Each function is wired in a configuration known as an open collector circuit. In other words, they act as a simple switch to ground. Thus, you can connect more than one function wire to the same light or LED with absolutely no ill effects. Keep in mind that if you connect one function configured as an always on light, plus another function wired as a flasher, if the "always on" function is turned on, then the flasher will have no effect.
If instead you want the flasher to only work IF the headlight is on, that is commonly referred to as a "master switch" function, the lights are not conencted together, but rather through CV settings the F1 flasher is configured to be flashign function that is only active if F0 is also turned on. Not all decoders can do this, but many do. To make programmign such things easier, check on free JMRI software. With most any DCC system EXCEPT MRC you cna interface your computer to the systema nd use JMRI to make decoder programming much easier - pick options with check boxes and drop down lists, not by deciphering manuals. Even with MRC, or with no interface, you can use JMRI standalone to determin which CVs need to be programmed with what values using the usual programming methods, as it will display all CVs that will be changed when you change settings in the program, so you can then manually program all the changes it tells you.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Awesome info Randy. This question occurred to me as I installed the Tsunami in a loco that doesn't even have ditch lights (yet), and I thought about all the FX lighting features going to waste.....I am also learning the JMRI, Soundloader and Decoder Pro. They certainly do make it more interesting. Kyle