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Lighting for DCC decoders, What is Best?

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Lighting for DCC decoders, What is Best?
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 12:18 PM
Hello,

I am converting my diesel engines to DCC and the lights in the Proto 1000 C-Liner and F-3 will not work. What type of light bulbs should I install?

Also, Proto 2000 and Atlas Master engines.

Thanks in advance,
Greg
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 11:56 PM
I haven't installed decoders in my LL P2K locos as yet, but I understand that the decoders put out a higher voltage to the headlight than the original bulb can withstand. Resulting in the bulb burning out. The P1K locos are probably the same way. You will have to replace the light bulb with a higher voltage bulb, possibly 12 volts (someone please verify this for me). Alternatively, you could install the appropriate sized resister in series with the original bulb to lower the voltage to a level it can handle.

I'm sorry I couldn't provide any specific answers, but I hope this will help lead you in the right direction.

Dale
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 23, 2003 8:58 AM
I went to Loys Toys and ordered ten 12 volt bulbs and ten 14 volts bulbs, so I should be covered now. (And 560 ohms and other resistors). Guess I can try it and tell you.

Thanks,
Greg
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: CA
  • 245 posts
mrc command 2000
Posted by bruce22 on Thursday, October 23, 2003 1:21 PM
i replace the bulbs with a white led and the appropriate resistor
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: San Jose, California
  • 3,154 posts
Posted by nfmisso on Friday, October 24, 2003 12:22 PM
Be very CAREFULL with 12 and 14 volt bulbs; many locomotive shells have been melted by them with DCC, which provides full voltage all the time. Go with LEDs or 1.5v bulbs; and the appropriate resistors for each.
Nigel N&W in HO scale, 1950 - 1955 (..and some a bit newer too) Now in San Jose, California
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 24, 2003 5:33 PM
I bought some 1.5 volts bulbs, 14 volt bulbs.
47, 560 and a 680 watt resistors.

Maybe this will work.

Thanks,
Greg
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Nova Scotia, Northumberland Shore
  • 2,479 posts
Posted by der5997 on Saturday, October 25, 2003 11:28 AM
Any comments on the space required for the resistors when it comes to installing them in N locos?

"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.

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