When using JMRI to program a decoder, if JMRI shows an option for incandescent or LED,
AND, I change the original headlight (for instance) to LED from incandescent, does this mean that JMRI is able to adjust the decoder for LED lighting with no other physical changes required to the loco or do I still have to connect a 1K ohm resistor in series?
The loco(s) in question are Athearn Genesis SD45-2, F/FP45, etc with SoundTraxx Tsunami
I think it has to do with how the output "ramps up" to simulate an incandescent lamp when using the LED option.
It does not substitute for the use of a resistor when using the blue + wire output from the decoder.
Good Luck, Ed
Yes, it controls how the decoder does dimming and blinking effects with the LED vs light bulb. You DEFINITELY still need resistors for the LEDs.
Check the decoder instruction manual, if the decoder does have resistors already on it, the connections will typically be made to a different place then where you would connect light bulbs - one solder pad with a resistor for LEDs, another without for lamps.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
As was said, check the decoder manual. Last I knew SoundTraxx sells one lightboard decoder with the LED resistors on it. Check their site.
No idea what the new generation decoders are like.
Sounds like you might have one with onboard sound. I wonder if your loco has 12 volt or 1.5 volt bulbs. I have a bunch of links about Athearn locos with 1.5 volt bulbs. Some from this forum. Some about replacing 1.5 volt bulbs with LED's. I think, guess, there would be resistors for those 1.5 volt bulbs as most decoders where originally 12 volts output for lighting.
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.
Try searching here for athearn genesis 1.5 volt bulbs led's
Google it also.
Clarification to my previous post - even if the deocder DOES have a current limited connection for LEDs (that's what the resistor does - it limits current. It's the current that kills an LED, not the voltage. Opposite of a light bulb - too much voltage is what kills light bulbs), you still have to physically change the connection, the setting in JMRI does nothing with the hardware.
For Athearns, it's a shame Ulrich has shut down, they had LED retrofit kits for a few of the newer Genesis locos which had all the needed parts. And also some nifty little circuit boards to hold the resistors - handy for modern era locos with lots of lights to repalce, especially with a sound decoder where a lot of the available space is consumed by the speaker and enclosure.
Probably have to get you meter out to check voltage and maybe an Optivisor and look over the decoder.
SoundTraxx decoders do have 12 volt and 1.5 volt outputs. I have some but only use the 12 volt output with 1k resistors.
The 12 volt outputs are at each end and the 1.5 volt, on one side on my decoders.
If onboard right from Athearn, could be different.
Something important about DCC. If you pull the shell on a DCC loco, you should have an idea on the basics of DCC and electronics plus a multimeter. There are many variables in DCC locos, decoders and DCC systems.