Hey Everyone.
I recently purchased a new Intermountain Gevo and would like to install a Tsunami sound decoder in it. I purchased a TSU GN-1000 decoder and to avoid blowing out the LED's I wanted to know what colored wires go which spot on the decoder.
I have done plently of installs just not when LED's are involved, I'm used to light bulbs. The last time I tried to install a Tsunami in a Gevo I ended up blowing the LED's and I would really like to avoid doing it again.
Has anyone done one of these installs who can help me.
Thanks
Will
Connect the LED to the same terminals that you would connect an incandescent bulb; the two inner terminals on the end of the board. But you must also include a resistor in order to not burn out the LEDs -- I always use a 1,000 Ohm resistor. The long lead on an LED is the POSITIVE side, and the short lead connects to the negative side of the decoder's light connection. The resistor can be in either lead.
Thank you for the clarification. I didn't know about the resistor which is probably why I burnt them out on my other Gevo.
Ok so I do nothing with the slot on the board that is used for the common correct. I just use the 2 end inner ports on each end of the board and I use 1 for the positive and one for the negative. Do I need just 1 resistor for the whole system or will I need and addtional resistor for the rear LED's
Each LED will need a separate resistor. If you have a Radio Shack in your area, they should have resistors in packs of 4. For an LED, you need the smallest Wattage rating resistors they have in stock, usually 1/4 Watt or 1/8 Watt -- nothing larger.
Will, the TSU GN-1000 is a special decoder produced by Soundtraxx for Athearn Genesis diesels that use 1.5 volt incandescent bulbs. So, the four function outputs (one pair front, one pair rear, and two pair on the side) are all 1.5 volt terminals. They control the F0, F5, and F6 functions.
The TSU GN-1000 can be used with other locomotives, but there is a special spot on the decoder for LED lighting. It is located inside the board itself, and it is a 14 volt function output. All LEDs should be wired from this 14 volt function and each LED should be protected with a resistor. The other leg of each LED can be connected to one of the four function outputs on the front, rear, or side of the decoder to complete the circuit.
Soundtraxx has a decoder designed for Intermountain diesels. It is the TSU-IM1000. It is smaller than the TSU GN-1000, and the function outputs are all higher voltage than the TSU GN1000. If you can exchange the TSU GN-1000 for the TSU-IM1000, you might want to do so, since it will be easier to work with.
Rich
Alton Junction