Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

help....ditch light wont work!!!!

2121 views
8 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Heart of Georgia
  • 5,406 posts
Posted by Doughless on Thursday, December 17, 2020 4:07 PM

I have an Atlas Genset and the ditchlights are LEDS attached to the frame.  You can slide the cover off of it without damaging the lights.

If one doesn't light, then its likely a problem with the LED.  Bad solder or maybe a wire is loose.  It probably plugs into the board.

- Douglas

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Thursday, December 17, 2020 2:58 PM

Just one of those "cover all bases" ideas...if this is one with an ESU decoder, it often has separate CVs for each light or each type of light. I believe for this engine the ditch lights are F6, and they only work if the engine is moving forward. They're off in reverse, or when stopped.

 Anyway, I'd be sure to try everything before sending it back. On my ESU-equipped GMD-1 it took me while how to figure out how to turn the headlights, marker lights, and number boards on, since each had it's own F button.

Stix
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, December 17, 2020 2:53 PM

RR_Mel

Rich

If its an LED he needs a resistor between the 9V battery and the LED or the LED is a goner.

Of course. I took that for granted but I shouldn't assume all know that.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    May 2015
  • 298 posts
Posted by the old train man on Thursday, December 17, 2020 12:40 PM

Rich,This is a new engine & Im afraid to take it apart. Guess ill have to send it back to atlas & eat the postage money & wait another 3 months for them to repair it,thanks.

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Thursday, December 17, 2020 12:23 PM

If the problem is the decoder it will have to go back to Atlas.  If it’s the LED you could replace it yourself.

 I’ve had LEDs crapout from infant mortality, rarely but is does happen.

 

Rich

If its an LED he needs a resistor between the 9V battery and the LED or the LED is a goner.



Mel



 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, December 17, 2020 12:21 PM

the old train man

A month ago I sent the genset to atlas because one of the ditch lights on the front doesnt work. Now the one on the front of the 840cw doesnt work.   

When you say that the light "doesn't work", is it burned out? Loose wire? CV issue?

Is it an incandescent or an LED?

Has the decoder tab that powers the light fried?

Need more info. Meanwhile, can you test the bulb with a 9 volt battery to see if it works?

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    May 2015
  • 298 posts
Posted by the old train man on Thursday, December 17, 2020 11:55 AM

Thanks mel.

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Thursday, December 17, 2020 11:19 AM

You need to confirm if there is voltage on the light to determine if it’s the decoder or the light.  The voltage should be the same as the voltage on the working light.

 

Mel


 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

  • Member since
    May 2015
  • 298 posts
help....ditch light wont work!!!!
Posted by the old train man on Thursday, December 17, 2020 10:46 AM

CryingI bought 2 atlas ho engines a genset and a dash 840cw. A month ago I sent the genset to atlas because one of the ditch lights on the front doesnt work. Now the one on the front of the 840cw doesnt work.  Am I going to have to pay postage and send this on back also and wait 3or4 months to get it back or does somebody have a quick fix for this. I tried setting 8 to 8 with no results,thanks

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!