Two Decoders, One Lighting Problem

[gatrhumpy]

In my N scale Kato SD40-2, I have an MRC sound decoder and a Digitrax TL1 single function output decoder. The TL1 controls a simulated rotary beacon that I installed. The default address of the TL1 single function decoder is 3 (I did not change it).

Is there a way to change the CV or the address of the TL1 single function decoder so that when I turn the lights on and off on the MRC decoder (which is set to my locomotive cab number of 5053), the blinking beacon goes on and off at the same time? In other words, when I press the 'lights' button my my NCE system, I want the headlights AND the beacon on the second decoder to go on and off. The rotary beacon light comes on when I press the 'bell' sound on my NCE system. Could I remap the sound to play when I press the 'lights' button, and then just reassign the TL1 decoder to the other MRC decoder address of 5053? Would that work?

[cacole]

Yes, you need to program the TL1 decoder to the same address as the MRC decoder -- 5053.  Changing the address of the TL1 through Ops Mode should not effect the MRC's address, since it is already set to that.

Whether or not you can remap the TL1's function is something you'll have to refer to the decoder's documentation to find out.  I've never used a TL1 and don't know if it supports function remapping.  You may have to remove the TL1 from the locomoitve so the remapping doesn't screw up the MRC decoder.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Yes, you can set both decoders for the same address. It's similar to addressing two locos for a simple consist.

[gatrhumpy]

The TL1, like I said, has an output for lights or whatever. Right now, the light output is triggered when I press the 'bell' sound on my NCE system. If I set the TL1's long address to my MRC sound decoder address of 5053, does that mean that when I press the bell sound for the MRC sound decoder that the bell will sound AND the beacon light will go on and off?

[gatrhumpy]

http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/tl1.pdf

These are the instructions. It says in the instructions that:

"A TL1 should not be connected to an existing transponder equipped DCC decoder

unless the DCC decoder's transponder is disabled. This avoids having 2 transponders

responding to the same address in the system."

 

What does that mean?

[simon1966]

MRC decoders do not have transponding in them, so don't worry about it.   Transponding is a way for a decoder to report location on the layout.   A lot of Digitrax decoders have it and it allows for layout automation, amongst other things.

 

[gatrhumpy]

Thanks for the clarification!