Ok, I have my new layout for DCC up and running with one engine now and a TCS decoder. Got the Digitrax Super Chief system wired in now. I have always been N scale for the last 30 years. Soo my question is about the lights in my engines. I have 27 of them, all no more than 3 years old, 70% Kato, 20% Intermountain and 10% Atlas . I installed the TCS decoder (K1D4-NC) in one of my Kato SD70 Ace's. It did not have LED lights installed on the board, (my first install by the way) and I have noticed that some of the other decoders that I will need don't have LED's either. Question is, I have not gotten the CV's set for the above engine yet but where are the LED'S for the lighting functions and also on some of the other decoders that I will have to install. Do I have to add LED"s my self and have some on hand?
The decoders come with charts showing all of the CV's and lighting options but not all of the decoders have the LED's. I have been OK with the change to DCC without problems untill I hit this spot. Or is my thinking way off? Thanks in advance for reply's Doug
I work in HO but the pricnipal is the same in all scales when it comes to DCC decoders and lighting. The LED's will have to be added by you and you also need a resistor in line with the anode of the LED (the longer lead). I use 1000 ohm 1/4 or 1/2 watt rated. The wires from the decoder go to the LED's and control front and rear (if you have any) lights. The blue wire is the common for the lights so it has to go to all LED's. The white wire is to the front headlight and the yellow wire is to the rear light. You should pick up a book on DCC and this is all explained and much more that you will eventually need as you get into DCC. I have only been using DCC for about 2 years but have installed at least 12 decoders (5 are sound decoders) and some have been very difficult (Big Boy and Challenger with sound) but now I feel that I can tackle just about anything. You won't be sorry for going to DCC. Hope this helps.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
farrellaa The LED's will have to be added by you and you also need a resistor in line with the anode of the LED (the longer lead). -Bob
The LED's will have to be added by you and you also need a resistor in line with the anode of the LED (the longer lead).
Thanks to both of you. What is a good source for these LED's and what colors are the best for Diesel locomotives, lets say 70's to 90's as example. Doug
My last order of LED's was from LED Switch Co, who sells on Ebay and their website. Their service is great and prices too. All Electronics is another good source.
I appreciate the source info Bob. Thanks, Doug
rgengineoiler...I installed the TCS decoder (K1D4-NC) in one of my Kato SD70 Ace's. It did not have LED lights installed on the board...
The K1D4-NC DOES have LED's installed on the board, they don't look like LEDs, but they are there. Here is a picture of that decoder from their website:
The little yellow cubes in the center of each end of the board are the LEDs.
Thanks Robert. I'll take off the shell and look more carefully. What a learning experience these decoders are. I also have an IMD4 decoder and stamped on the board was AMD4, for my SD40T-2's. The package was stapled shut so I'm not sure if that is the right decoder for my tunnel motors. This is the most interesting hobby in the world and non stop learning curve. Doug