I am in the process of installing DCC into my Proto 2000 HO scale engines. I need to replace the light bulbs as per instructions. I would like to use LEDs. I know that a resister needs to be used. How do I determine which resister to use? I have a bunch of LEDs I purchased on eBay along with a bunch of resisters. These resisters were purchased to wire lighing using 9V batteries. I am assuming that since most DCC systems will use up to 16V that these resisters won't do the job. Which resister do I need, or can I use two of these resisters (side by side) to do the job?
You want a 1K resistor. Or thereabouts. Two of the same resistor in parallel is HALF the value, not double. Putting 2 in SERIES is double. So it depeneds on what the value is of those supplied resistors.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I find that a 1k 1/4 watt resistor works great for SM and 3 mm LEDs. One resistor for each LED.
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!
Thank you.
Another option rather than adding a resistor to the bulb or LED is to install a decoder with a built in resistor.
A good example of this is the Digitrax DH165L0 decoder which can be installed in many Proto 2000 diesels.
Rich
Alton Junction