I just installed one of the new Econami 100 decoders in an early Life Like Proto SD45.
After some work everything functions correctly except I cannot get the headlights to work. I'm using LEDs with resistors installed. I tested them with a power pack and on DCC track voltage and they work fine. When I hook them up to the white and blue decoder wires nothing happens. I checked the wires with a multimeter and there seems to be power there so not sure what I'm doing wrong.
Two questions:
- Do you have resistors wired in series with one of the LED leads? If you don't have resistors you will have fried the LEDs. 1000 ohms 1/4 watt is suitable.
- Have you tried reversing the leads to the LEDs?
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
If you tested them on DCC track voltage, you blew the LED, even with resistors. Track voltage is typically 12-16V "AC". So you either blew the LED ot blew the function wires. You'll mostl likely need another decoder to get the lights to work.
LED's are polarity sensitive. Try switching the leads to the LED. Joe
npsixtynine I just installed one of the new Econami 100 decoders in an early Life Like Proto SD45. After some work everything functions correctly except I cannot get the headlights to work. I'm using LEDs with resistors installed. I tested them with a power pack and on DCC track voltage and they work fine. When I hook them up to the white and blue decoder wires nothing happens. I checked the wires with a multimeter and there seems to be power there so not sure what I'm doing wrong.
Lack of some details. Making assumption you use a resistor when checking the LED's. An LED on DCC with resistor will work. My NCE Power Cab has a red LED and 1k resistor across the DCC output.
This sounds like you need to reverse the two wires.
This question pops up once in a while from those who have never used LED's.. Wrong polarity.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.