Hello.
So I'm trying to convert my GP38-2 over to DCC and LEDs. Following TCS's install guide, I've got my headlights working, but for some reason, the LEDs that would light the numberboads... won't.
I've followed the pin assignments here:http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Life_Like/Proto2000%20GP38-2/Proto2000%20GP38-2.htmlAnd frm what I can gather, it looks as if the cathode end of the LEDs for the numberboards should go to pin 8, which is also red power? And pin 3 is left empty.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
The Proto 2000 GP-38-2 came from the factory years ago with wiring that is screwed up for the lighting. It works fine if you use the installed DC board in DC mode. If you install a DCC decorder, the lighting has "issues". I have 2 of these GP-38-2's in B&M. I about pulled my hair out trying to figure out what was going on with the lights.
I hate to say but I don't remember what I did in order to get them working. I can offer you this though. Do a search of this forum and I'm sure you will find the answer. As I recall, this was a pretty BIG issue about 7-8 years ago when the uniots first hit the street. I do remember that it was pretty well documented here as well as the Atlas forum of how to make the lights work in DCC.
Mike
The number board lights are wired incorrectly and will blow the decoder if you plug it in and try to run it. You basically have to disconnect the number board light connections and resolder them to the correct pins. There is a Tony's Trains tech note that covers this: http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/loconews/life-p2k-wiring2.htm. I just disconnected the number board lights on my unit and run without them. Just lazy I guess.
Joe
Purple isn't on the 8 pin plug. It would be a direct wire from the decoder to the cathode (via a dropping resistor) of the reverse number board LED. What decoder are you using? How many function outputs does it have? Does your GP 38-2 have reverse number board lights or does it just take light from the reverse headlight?
I looked at the literature fro the LL8-LED and you have enough functions to control the number board lights independent of the headlights. The cathode of the forward light can go to the F1 solder pad (green) and the rear to the F2 solder pad (violet). The anode connections for both would be to the blue pad. I hope this helps.
Pin 7 is the anode common and it wasn't mis-wired so it should be OK to use. The blue solder tab can be use also. It should be connected to pin 7 by a board trace. Take a quick look at the decoder board and verify the connection. Good luck and have fun.
Well, I've got it wired up. It's not blowing up, but the number boards aren't lighting up either.
Did you try the function buttons? Try testing the voltage between one of the solder pads and the blue common when you click the appropriate function button.
Make sure that you haven't wired the LEDs backwards. Also, I'm not familiar with this TCS decoder but does it require a CV setting to activate the accessory function buttons?
By default the functions after the headlights should be on F1, F2, F3, etc. If you want everything to come on with the headlight, THEN you need to do some settings.
Pop over to the nearest Harbor Freight and get the $5 or less meter, perfectly suitable for model railroad use.
Which version do you havem the LL8 or LL8-LED? They do not indicate much details (the only problem I have with TCS - the "simple" manuals really are too simple and leave out important stuff like this!) as to if the built in resistors are JUST on FoF and FOR or are on all functions - I have to think they are ONLY on the headlight and reverse light, meaning you need resistors for the LEDs in the number boards. If you didn;t include resistors, they are probbaly already blown.
It's stuff like this that makes me almost always rip out any factory electronics and just hard wire the decoders in place, replacing the incandescent headlights with LEDS. A T6 has the same 6 function outputs, and is $10 cheaper or so. ANd you'd know exactly where each wire was connected because you connect them yourself. Those locos had some wiring issues with the number board lights and I would not trust that they are connected properly just plugging in to the factory circuit board.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Go to the TCS site and download the "Comprehensive Programming Guide". There is a lot of information about decoder lighting effects in the guide. Read your decoders CV 51 and 52. These set the effects for F1(Violet) and F2 (Green) and come with a default setting of 32. Other numbers for these CVs will change the lighting effects and are found in the guide on page 6 and following. Perhaps the information there will help you with your problem.