Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Decoder Function Control

1299 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Monday, April 12, 2010 4:06 PM

 TCS decoders have dimmed when stopped that is programmable to all the way off and on when moving. I am in agreement with Mr B on this. Functions are only miliamps. Unless your using some kind of relay for the sound amplifier then any decoder you use will be smoked. Something like a Loksound decoder for sound and movement would be better. As a plus you could use the lighting function for lights on the turntable bridge and a cab lamp for the operator.

      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!

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, April 12, 2010 2:16 PM

I don't know how you plan to drive the sound module, but be aware that the function outputs of decoders are intended as lamp drivers, not contact closures.  If the sound unit really wants a contact closure, i.e., a pushbutton, then connecting it up to a decoder'f function output is likely to toast that part of the decoder.

If you haven't bought the sound unit yet, another option might be a cheap sound decoder.  Some can be programmed with your choice of sounds, so you could download the turntable sound effects into them.  Since you're not confined to a locomotive shell, you can use a large speaker and get decent sound.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, April 12, 2010 1:07 PM

 If the headlight is one when you bring the loco to a stop, it will remain on with the default directional lighting settings.

                                    --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 76 posts
Decoder Function Control
Posted by seaside on Monday, April 12, 2010 12:26 PM

I would like to program an NCE D13SR decoder to control my turntable and trigger a Innovative Train Tech turntable sound module such that the sound comes on when the turntable is moving in either direction.  I have no problem making the turntable turn appropriatly but to trigger the sound module I need to program the decoder to activate the headlight (Function F0) in forward and reverse and to be on only when the turntable motor is activated.  I know how to program the CVs to make the headlight come on with both motor directions, but will the headlight stay lit (sound remain on) when the motor is not being told to move?

The reason I ask is that some of my loco's headlights remain on even at rest and I don't know how program the "headlight on only when moving" feature.

John

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!