rrinkerWell, if you wanted the lights to be on all the time, but not dimmable, you COULD just wire them across the track pickups. Wouldn't be directional though.
Thats what used to do, when I disvovered the LEDs from Evans, the lights that Stix talks about in his post. One wire to each side, no control, but I had lights! I did this to DC locos before I started adding decoders.
I still use those Evans LEDs, but I now wire them through the decoder, for control, such as that dimming affect talked about in another thread.
Mike.
My You Tube
Well, if you wanted the lights to be on all the time, but not dimmable, you COULD just wire them across the track pickups. Wouldn't be directional though.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker DigitalGriffin I may be mistaken, but IIRC (If I recall Correctly) in the EARLY days of DCC, there were only functions F0->F4. F0 being the headlight. And if I recall correctly the additional function numbers had a different and unique packet format. So F0->F4 were handled differently. F0->F4 is only 5 bits, so I think the top 3 bits were reserved for something else. (Direction and something else perhaps?) I'll have to go back to my Lenz XPressNet and pull out their technical documentation. (I wrote a full functional Lenz RS232 driver in C++)It might go to explain why the headlight setting is lost. F0 for the lights was part of the speed packet for 14 step mode. That's why a mismatch between the decoder setting in CV29 and what the system is sending results in the headlights going on and off with alternate speed steps. --Randy
DigitalGriffin I may be mistaken, but IIRC (If I recall Correctly) in the EARLY days of DCC, there were only functions F0->F4. F0 being the headlight. And if I recall correctly the additional function numbers had a different and unique packet format. So F0->F4 were handled differently. F0->F4 is only 5 bits, so I think the top 3 bits were reserved for something else. (Direction and something else perhaps?) I'll have to go back to my Lenz XPressNet and pull out their technical documentation. (I wrote a full functional Lenz RS232 driver in C++)It might go to explain why the headlight setting is lost.
I may be mistaken, but IIRC (If I recall Correctly) in the EARLY days of DCC, there were only functions F0->F4. F0 being the headlight. And if I recall correctly the additional function numbers had a different and unique packet format. So F0->F4 were handled differently. F0->F4 is only 5 bits, so I think the top 3 bits were reserved for something else. (Direction and something else perhaps?) I'll have to go back to my Lenz XPressNet and pull out their technical documentation. (I wrote a full functional Lenz RS232 driver in C++)It might go to explain why the headlight setting is lost.
F0 for the lights was part of the speed packet for 14 step mode. That's why a mismatch between the decoder setting in CV29 and what the system is sending results in the headlights going on and off with alternate speed steps.
It would be interesting to see if switching to 14 speed steps would remember the light switch as a lot of throttles with roll wheels have to remember the last throttle setting.
2 Points Randy.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
I just did an experiment. My switching layout is small, under costruction and I have never tried running 3 locos simulataneously.
2 have sound, one doesn't. Power cab set to 2 recall spots. I can start A and B, turn on headlights and sound and have them move. I enter loco C and turn on the headlight and have it move. All 3 are now operating. Recall now remembers the last loco (B) (or A if that was the last one addressed buy the controller) and C.
If I enter loco A, it's headlight and sound go off immediately but it continues to move. The other two still move and have headlights. Whatever order I try, the loco that was forgotten in the recall stack loses its headlight and sound if it has sound when I re-enter its number.
If your situation is that you want to operate 3, or up to 6 locos at a time, you have to increase the recall stack under Cab Parameters.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy York1 I know this is an old post of yours. I'm fairly new to this and I have the same problem. When I switch locos, and switch back to another, the headlight goes off, and I need to press the headlight button. I just notied Randy's post above mine. It depends what you mean by switching locos. If I am actively using locos A & B I can switch to B and A will continue running with the headlight and sound. If I want to run loco C that has been just siting there the whole session, yes I have to turn the light on. Power Cab by default, only remembers 2 locos. You can change that but it could be annoying if you are running A and E and have to keep hitting recall to scroll past B, C and D.
York1 I know this is an old post of yours. I'm fairly new to this and I have the same problem. When I switch locos, and switch back to another, the headlight goes off, and I need to press the headlight button.
I just notied Randy's post above mine.
It depends what you mean by switching locos. If I am actively using locos A & B I can switch to B and A will continue running with the headlight and sound. If I want to run loco C that has been just siting there the whole session, yes I have to turn the light on.
Power Cab by default, only remembers 2 locos. You can change that but it could be annoying if you are running A and E and have to keep hitting recall to scroll past B, C and D.
I know that some of the comments are from people using other systems, and also using more locos.
I have two locomotives, and run NCE Powercab. I select one of the locomotives, turn the headlight on, and start it running.
Then I switch to the second locomotive, turn the headlight on, and start it running.
The first locomotive has the headlight on, and it has remained running. However, when I select it to change its speed, the headlight goes off as soon as I select it. I must press the headlight button again.
The original question is if there is a setting or something that can be done to keep the headlight on.
I know this sounds silly - why not just push the headlight button? However, while I'm running the locos, it is frustrating to switch back and forth between two running locomotives, and have to push the headlight button each time I switch.
Thanks for your comments!
York1 John
York1I know this is an old post of yours. I'm fairly new to this and I have the same problem. When I switch locos, and switch back to another, the headlight goes off, and I need to press the headlight button.
It also depends on the era and rulebook.In the 1986 General Code of Operating Rules, the front headlight is to be bright when moving forward or standing preparatory to moving forward, dim when clear on the main line for a meet, and extinguished when clear in the siding for a meet.
Other eras and rulebooks may vary.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
No headlights on my loksound and Power Cab unless i hit the headlight button.
No sound either unless I hit F8.
I will point out that on a real loco, the headlight doesn't come on when they start the engine.
Edit I looked at the Power Cab manual and they say the headlights deserve their own button, though 0 also works. No provision for auto on that I could find.
It depends on the DCC system. While true you can do things with a Loksound decoder like set it to need F8 to start sounds or not, if you have it set to need F8 - every time you select the loco, the sounds will be off until you send an F8. Digitrax lighting effects don't have any options that don't require F0 to be on. Most others will be the same.
The system can have an effect on this. SUppose I am running loco 1234 on my Digitrax system, if I just stop it and bring the speed to 0 but leave the lights on, they will stay on indefinitely, even if I then select and run loco 6789. With Digitrax, it is the command station that keeps track of running locos and unless you actually de-select it, it is treated as still in use if any functions are left turned on. Other systems, as soon as you select another loco, the last one, or maybe the bottom one in a recall stack, is no longer known to or refreshed by the command station.
Neither way allows for the lights to just automatically turn on when the loco is selected. It just means what happens when you park one and select another is different. I wouldn't doubt that with ESU's system of multiple "if this is true" conditions may indeed allow for F0 to turn on whenever the loco is addressed, but the only non-sound decoders with anything close to that would be ESU's Lokpilots.
How times change - my prototype and era, they didn;t even turn the headlights on during the day, only at night.
I guess I'm missing something in his question. I use Digitrax, and as soon as I power up the track, the lights come.
With Power Cab, doesn't the same happen?
Guy Papillon Personnaly, I like to play with the lights according to the situation. However, if you really want to have both lights open all the time, I think that there is nothing to do with the PowerCab except using it to programm specifics CVs in the decoder. Operator's manual relative the specific loco or decoder should provide the needed information.
Personnaly, I like to play with the lights according to the situation. However, if you really want to have both lights open all the time, I think that there is nothing to do with the PowerCab except using it to programm specifics CVs in the decoder. Operator's manual relative the specific loco or decoder should provide the needed information.
If I can program my loksound decoder to have the sound on or off on power up, I'll bet I could do the same with the headlights.
As Guy said 2 years ago it depends on the decoder. No one has mentioned a decoder brand, yet.
If one is interested in doing this, I suggest starting a new thread with a more specific title as in "Headlight with Power On Genesis GP 9 and soundtraxx and Power Cab?" Fill in your own loco manufacturer, model and decoder. That will attract the readers that might have done it or know how to do it.
I think the only option would be to hardwire the lights to track power. Evans Designs make LEDs that come with resistors attached so they can use any power from 7-19 volts, AC (like DCC) or DC power. I did it on an engine where the light function on the (sound) decoder quit. It worked fine, but of course any time the engine is receiving track power, the light is on.
Sorry to say, but I never figured it out.
wblock I'm using an NCE PowerCab. Is there any way to have the loco headlights on all the time as soon as you access it without hitting the headlight button? After all, the prototypes always have their headlights on.
I'm using an NCE PowerCab. Is there any way to have the loco headlights on all the time as soon as you access it without hitting the headlight button? After all, the prototypes always have their headlights on.
I know this is an old post of yours. I'm fairly new to this and I have the same problem. When I switch locos, and switch back to another, the headlight goes off, and I need to press the headlight button.
Did you ever figure out how to get the powercab set to leave the headlight on? Thanks!
wblock After all, the prototypes always have their headlights on.
After all, the prototypes always have their headlights on.
Depends, which prototype are you referring too? And do you mean full brightness or dimmed?
Union Pacific - The main/lead loco, when in operation (moving), has the headlight on full brightness. When stopped, the headlight is dimmed (day or night) as to not blind the crew of approaching locos; and while stopped, the ditch lights are turned off. The DPU at the rear, has the headlight on, in the dim mode.
Oh, and might I add, on Union Pacific locos, the ditch lights do not flash or alternate, they're steady bright, ALL the time when activated.
As far as my HO scale locos, I have the headlights programmed to F0. And when activated, they come on as a "glow" and within a second or two, go to full bright.
So, I don't think it has anyting to do with your controller. It will depend on programming the CV's in the decoder, whichever brand you have.
Inspired by Addiction
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Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
Well, that depends. On the SP&S, the headlight on the front of the train was to be on all the time, but dimmed when a train was safely in a siding. As I recall. BUT. I was told by railroad people who should know that BNSF wants the front headlight on bright all the time, as some operators forgot to turn the light back up to high when they should.
The headlight facing to the rear, if there were cars trailing, would most likely supposed to be off. No reason to light up the end of a boxcar. And waste light bulbs.
For a light engine on the main, red flags would likely be on the rear, in the daytime. I'm not sure about the headlight. At night, red lights would replace the flags. And, I suspect, the headlight shoulda been off. So as not to outshine the red lights.
I believe yard engine guys pretty much did whatever they wanted. During the day. They're going so slow, if the headlight would make a difference, there's already big problems. At night, some guys might leave their lights on on both ends, rather than playing with the (electrical) switches all night long.
But on your railroad, it's your rules. As far as that goes, I expect there's some CV you can mess with. And someone who knows will likely pipe up--I don't.
Ed