sorry for such a noob question, but I'm getting ready to do my first non-drop in decoder installation. I've got several cheaper Proto 2000 SW8s I've picked up along the way that I figured I'd experiment on. I'm using an NCE SW9-SR decoder and plan to keep the existing 1.5v rear bulb, but I need to locate an appropriate LED for the headlight.
I've spent some time searching here and think I understand I'm looking for a 3mm prewired hole-mount warm white LED (or possibly a 5mm? the groove in the Proto frame looks pretty big). But correct me if I'm wrong. I've seen links toTCS, http://www.led-switch.com/3mm LED.htm , and to http://www.allelectronics.com as well.
TCS seems to be out of them. Can someone point me in the direction of the *exact* LED that I want on one of the other sites? Want to avoid getting the wrong one, and would love to order some right away so I can get started on these locos.
thanks in advance!!
Jim
Jim,
I will not recommend a specific LED. But I do encourage you to go to this link: http://www.richmondcontrols.com/
It will explain the various colors of white they carry. As for size, you have the models in front of you. Take a look and measure as best you can. I am guessing a 3mm (approx 1/8") will be the one but it could be the larger 5mm (approx 1/4") LED. I doubt the surface mounted ones will be the right fit but I don't know for sure.
They will make up pre wired with resistor LED's at additional cost but why pay for that. A little wire, a resistor (1K ohm), a little soldering and you are in business.
skagitrailbird Jim, I will not recommend a specific LED. But I do encourage you to go to this link: http://www.richmondcontrols.com/ It will explain the various colors of white they carry. As for size, you have the models in front of you. Take a look and measure as best you can. I am guessing a 3mm (approx 1/8") will be the one but it could be the larger 5mm (approx 1/4") LED. I doubt the surface mounted ones will be the right fit but I don't know for sure. They will make up pre wired with resistor LED's at additional cost but why pay for that. A little wire, a resistor (1K ohm), a little soldering and you are in business.
Roger, thanks so much for the link to Richmond Controls, a lot of additional info there that will be very helpful. The good news is that the NCE decoder has a 1K resistor already installed for the front and back lights, so all I've got to do is figure out the appropriate LED and wire it in directly. Pretty straightforward, actually, which is why I think this is a good choice for a "level two" decoder installation. I'll measure that bulb channel tonight to see if it really will fit the 5mm LED. The surface mount LEDs would only be needed if I were to replace the rear light which is buried up inside the cab, which I'm guessing is why NCE includes the additional 100ohm resister on the board so that the existing rear bulb can be left alone.
It definitely won't be a 5mm LED. Instead of trying to get the LED itself into the headlight housing, it would be much easier to mount the LED right behind the clear headlight lens in the shell and allow it to transfer the light to the outside.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Mark R. It definitely won't be a 5mm LED. Instead of trying to get the LED itself into the headlight housing, it would be much easier to mount the LED right behind the clear headlight lens in the shell and allow it to transfer the light to the outside. Mark.
I think that's right, and my plan is to install the LED behind the lens as you suggest. I found a similar install with photos at http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Life_Like/SW8_9_1200/Life%20Like%20SW8_9_1200.html , so that will help.
After reading through the Richmond Controls sheet on white LEDs, I'm wondering if the Soundtraxx 810134 (3mm Golden White) are basically what I need? http://www.soundtraxx.com/access/wiring.php#lighting They are available in a number of places online.
Warm white, Golden whie, sunny white - they are all pretty close to the same thing.
You could easily add one to the cab end as well by installing a 3mm LED in that plastic box. All you have to do is file the sides of the LED casing a bit thinner and it will fit just fine.
In all honesty, you'll pay way too much for LEDs from any of those online retailers. If you are an ebayer, you can get a 100 of them for $2.99 with FREE shipping ! Just one example ....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-3mm-Round-warm-white-leds-light-Ultra-bright-lamp-New-Free-Shipping-/181665790868?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4c1ffb94
Mark R. Warm white, Golden whie, sunny white - they are all pretty close to the same thing. You could easily add one to the cab end as well by installing a 3mm LED in that plastic box. All you have to do is file the sides of the LED casing a bit thinner and it will fit just fine. In all honesty, you'll pay way too much for LEDs from any of those online retailers. If you are an ebayer, you can get a 100 of them for $2.99 with FREE shipping ! Just one example .... http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-3mm-Round-warm-white-leds-light-Ultra-bright-lamp-New-Free-Shipping-/181665790868?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4c1ffb94 Mark.
Mark, that's really good advice. I may order a single pack of the Soundtraxx ones just to get going this week, and a 100 from your ebay source, which will take longer to arrive. But really good point about the cost of buying them in small bunches vs in bulk from the manufacturer.
well, I went ahead and installed the NCE decoder, really pretty idiot-proof. Everything works fine. Obviously I don't have the LED in hand but there was a generous amount of wire in the locomotive, so I figured when the LED gets here I will still have enough room to work with to wire it in after the fact. Also ordered a 2 pin micro connector to connect the existing rear light wires to the decoder, I'll keep the 1.5v rear bulb for now. If this whole setup works well enough, I'll repeat with the other four or five of these Proto engines that I own. After that I'll move on to the ten or so Atlas S-2s that I've collected along the way.
here's a pic, obviously I've got to tidy up the wires, I have some kapton so I'll probably tape them down. But I'll wait to put the shell back on after I get the headlight done.
It's a bit past the season, but white LED decorative lighting is widely available and cheap. The LEDs are usually easily harvested and typically can be found in both 3mm and 5mm sizes. Warm white is what you want in terms of color. You're unlikely to be able to tell the difference between them and the fancy-priced hobby offerings.
What I frequently do is use a small piece of Evergreen .250" styrene tube to use as a holder if there's not other formed holder available. Glued behind the outer headlight housing, the LED just slips in when reassembing the loco.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Mike, I appreciate that, I'm going to keep my eye on the lookout for these. And the styrene tube is a great idea, the Proto has a nice groove in the frame for a light, but nice to know the size for other locos. thanks.
jt
Just thought I'd update the thread by saying I finished the install tonight, I got LEDs with 1" leads, and those wired directly to the decoder for the headlight--I did use shrink tubing to insulate those leads against the groove in the frame. Used a TCS 2 pin mini connector to connect the existing 1.5v rear bulb to the decoder board. Everything works perfectly and after a minor struggle getting the shell back on (it's been a long time, folks), it's good to go.
Want to thank everyone here and on my other threads for coaching me through the first hardwired installation. Not hard at all, just have to take it one step at a time.
So . . . one down, and . . . well, can't say in public how many more to go, lest the Chancellor of the Exchequer initiates an audit.
well, can't say in public how many more to go, lest the Chancellor of the Exchequer initiates an audit.
The trick is ....have your stuff shipped to a buddy's house, then pick it up when she's not at home
Dean
30 years 1:1 Canadian Pacific.....now switching in HO