Sorry if this is a noob question. I just took the plunge to DCC. I bought an Atlas Classic (black box) and switched out the existing board with a Digitrax DH165A0. I am running a brand new Powercab which I just set up. Everything seems to be working fine with the Powercab and loco but I can't get the lights to work. Online mentions something about it being FX3? How do you program that with a Powercab? I have no idea. Any ideas or suggestions put in lamen terms would be greatly appreciated.
I did successfully install another digitrax decoder into an old Athearn Bluebox and everything works, including the lights,
TIA
By default there should be directional lights. If they are LEDs, you probably have them hooked up backwards.
If they are not LEDs - there is a trace on the decoder that needs to be cut, but you are better off replacing the incandescent bulbs with LEDs. No resistors are needed with this decoder.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Avmus Online mentions something about it being FX3?
I don't see FX3 being lights in the manual http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/products/mobile-decoders/dh165a0/documents/DH165A0.pdf
Do black box locos have leds? There is a trace that should have been cut, if they are bulbs. The wires for the lights should go to FOF+ , FOF and FOR+ , FOR solder pads
The 0 key of the headlight key should toggle the lights. Perhaps a decoder reset, the turn the power off and on?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I have 3 Atlas black box classics, and they all had a dual mode decoder, just move the jumper plug to different holes.
And with Atlas, you do have to completetly power off, or tip the loco to lift wheels of the track, for any changes.
With my Digitrax, when it all happens, the track power goes off, and has be turned back on.
Mike.
It's in the instructions that come with the loco.
My You Tube
The OP has swapped the factory board for a Digitrax DH165A0 decoder.
The default setting would be for the the lights to be directional, so the light in the direction of travel should be the only one on. I assume you've hooked them up to the correct terminals (the middle two of the four terminals in the front and in the back of the decoder, between the terminals for the left and right track power). Are they LEDs or bulbs? If they're bulbs, it may the decoder's default setting is for LEDs...that is, it may only be putting out say 1.5 or 3 volts instead of 12 volts for a regular bulb. You can adjust the amount of power going to the lights via a CV - you'd have to check the decoder CV list to see which one.
p.s. couldn't anything on Atlas on a quick review, but did find this about a similar problem with this board and Athearn...
http://www.digitrax.com/tsd/KB312/dh165a0-light-bulb-problem-with-athearn/
Yep, ooops,
I just deleted this post, as after I posted it, I checked out the link Stix provided.
Oh my, this seems so complicated. I have to check to see if they are bulbs or leds. Not sure. Then I will read through the suggestions again. Thanks everyone!!
AvmusOh my, this seems so complicated.
Some of electricity is magic, but this isn't one of those problems. Bulbs look like bulbs, leds are more sleek, angular, modern?
Thanks again everyone!!
Upon further inspection I believe they are bulbs. It is an older model from 2005. I will take the advice to replace them with LED's when I get the chance. My old blue box has to be upgraded to LED's as well and I am about to convert a second blue box to dcc later today. Growing up with DC, I relaize I am way late to the party but I LOVE DCC!!
thanks again!!!