Hi Everyone
I have installed a Soundtraxx DSD-100LC decoder in a P2K E6. My problem is that I have lost directional lighting control. The headlights stay on regardless of direction and the lights will not dim.
I have done the following:
The headlight bulb has been replaced with 3 LED's (one for the headlight and two for the number boards). The LED's light up just fine.
I have checked the relevant CV's. CV 33 is set to '1' and CV 34 is set to '2' as per the manual.
I have this exact same setup in an Athearn FP7 and everything works fine.
So, what have I done wrong? Is the decoder damaged perhaps?
I am aware that LED's are not recommended for this decoder because of possible flickering when the lights are supposed to be off.
Thanks for your help.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Cannot comment on the first issue but there is a fix for the flickering issue that was published a few years ago.
http://www.mrdccu.com/curriculum/Lighting/LED.htm
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.
hon30critter I have installed a Soundtraxx DSD-100LC decoder in a P2K E6. My problem is that I have lost directional lighting control. The headlights stay on regardless of direction and the lights will not dim.
I know this doesn't directly answer your questions, but real trains don't turn their headlights off when backing up, so not having directional lighting is more correct.
Model makers came up with directional lighting only because it was the cheapest to implement in the days of DC block control.
But why your lighting is not working correctly could be a matter of the wrong resistance value or a defective decoder. The SoundTraxx LC (Low Cost) decoders had many problems and are no longer made.
Since the LED's light up, the resistance is correct.
Did your railroad use directional lighting?
I think directional lighting came up in model railroading because most modelers do not want to pay attention to the controller when operating their locomotives..
Rich and cacole
I was leaning towards the simple solution of not worrying about whether or not the lights turned off in reverse. I think you have convinced me to leave well enough alone. In fact since I have the number board lights hooked up to the headlight that is probably the best solution.
I know that the LC decoders were not the best but I bought two of the when they first came out and I am too cheap to scrap them.
Thanks for your input.
I did the same with a Tsunami install in a BLI refurbished F7A unit that had no lighting or decoder. It came only in DC. Both number board LED's in series with one resistor and one resistor for the headlight LED. Set the CV for always on.