Here’s the project:
I bought a rotary snowplow from the fine folks at Athearn. It is a DC powered (analog)- -functioning rotary plow, with a dummy EMD F7B “Power” unit- -talk about an oxymoron!
I figured I’d just do a body swap for a Blue Box frame and motor for the OEM dummy on my analog pike- -and life would be great.
Well as the phrase goes, “the best laid plans of...”
I was able to power the the F7B “Power” unit with a Blue Box analog unit and the body swap while still running an analog pike.
Then, as the fickle finger of fate intervened, I upgraded to a digital (DCC) system.
I contacted the great folks at Athearn and they said that the snowplow consist was never meant to be run on a digital pike- -let alone powering the “Power” unit.
They have offer advice and support on this conversion project. I’m still updating them on what I’m doing. I’m also preparing a article for the NMRA magazine on this project.
I’ve figured out how to convert the Blue Box F7B analog (DC) unit to digital (DCC).
The scheme is to convert the snowplow from analog to digital and also include forward facing LED lighting with a reward facing red strobe or flashing unit for a prototypical operation in limited visibility scenarios.
My quest:
I’m looking for suggestions on a decoder (no matter the manufacturer) that will provide the strobe or flashing function to power the trailing LED, or provide power to a flashing LED unit, from the decoder lighting function.
The intent is to run the plow blade motor off of the motor functions of the decoder. Since the plow unit is in essence a dummy I don’t need to power a motor for locomotion, that’s what the pusher unit that I’m converting is for. The address of the decoder will be MU’d to the pusher unit. I’ve figured out how to get power from the rails to the decoder unit.
The fine folks at Athearn said that the fan motor will not exceed the output of the decoders motor function. I realize that if the decoder is not “LED Ready” I will need to add resistor from the decoder to the LED’s.
Because it’s a relatively simple installation I am seeking advice on two (2) function decoders that have the flashing or strobe option. If I need to upgrade to a four (4) function decoder, so be it.
Again, thank you all for your comments.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Use a LokSound Micro. I use this decoder in three Bachmann HO small diesels. One has a strobe light on the roof. The decoder is good for 750 ma. No problem with many HO motors.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Thanks Rich,
I’ll check them out.
Just about any decoder can be used here. It's no different than if the motor was actually driving the loco. Just because the motor spins the plow blade instead of turns the wheels - no different than any loco install.
Depending on how many lights you have, a TCS T4 would do. Track connections to the pickups, motor outputs to the plow motor, adn you have 4 functions to mess with. LEDs will require resistors, but TCS function effects work great with LEDs (some brands do not, and only look good with incandescent bulbs. TCS has a CV to adjust to work with either type of lighting). With 4 functions you'd have enough to the flashign strobe, a headlight on the plow, an interior light int he cab, and a backup light if applicable, or maybe spotlights to the sides for the flanger blades or something.
Program in a speed curve, or just set CV2, CV6, adn CV5 to it doesn't run the plow blade too fast.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
jjdamnit Thanks Rich, I’ll check them out.
For simple motor control, the TCS would be very good. I usually think sound decoder when someone ask about decoder. The LokSound cost a lot more than a TCS, non sound.
You did mention a prime mover.
Hello,
I’m not running sound, so it sounds like the TCS would be more in my budget for this project.
The prime mover is an Athearn Blue Box F7B that I’ve converted to digital with a Bachmann 44915 decoder that I already had. No bells & whistles lighting functions on it- -simple stuff.
Thanks to all!
AS RRINKER stated the tcs t4 would be an excellent fit. Also has a goof proof warentee. At least you will have a lot of options to work with. I have used other decoader and with TCS I have never had a problem fail, also down load TCS manual of which is very comprehensive and covers all thier decoders. IMHO TCS is a good plan.
Hello All,
After doing some research I’ve decided that the TCS KAM-4 LED #1479 is going to fit this project perfectly.
It’s a little more than I had budgeted but it’s LED ready and supports the strobe function I was looking for.
Thanks again for all the great advice!