Hi friends: I bought a TCS KAM 4 decoder in order to install it in an old Mantua 0-4-0 Goat Switcher. The problem is that the dealer sent a KAM 4 LED decoder.
Can I install the KAM 4 LED decoder ina a locomotive with incandescent lamps??
What will happen if I do that?
Thanks
If they are 1.5 volt bulbs that draw very little current then you will be fine. Other than that I would just replace the bulbs with LEDs or return the decoder for the right one.
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!
I would replace the bulbs with LEDs, too.
The LEDs use less power. Since the whole idea of the KAM4 is to "coast" over dead spots, anything that you can do to reduce power use by the engine will improved that performance.
LEDs run cooler. There's no danger of melting plastic parts with LEDs.
LEDs last longer. Your incandescent headlights will burn out, eventually, and you'll have to take everything apart to replace them. If you put in LEDs now, they won't need replacement.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
All in favor, say 'aye'
Aye
That's 3 for , none against, motion passes.
Put in an LED and never have to worry again. None of my operating locos has an incandescent bulb anywhere in it, they're all LEDs. For that Goat, you'll want a Golden White type to look most like the incandescent bulbs used in the prototype (as modeled). Since the decoder is the KAM 4 LED, all you have to do it connect the LED to the blue and white wires for the headlight. Blue is positive. No resistors since the decoder already has them.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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