LED headlights?

[Anonymous]

I use white LED's that I purchase from Jameco Electronics for around $2.95 each. I am running DCC and use a 1k resistor to keep the voltage from burning out the led. If you are running analog (dc) you need a voltage regulator to get the voltage higher to light the LED at lower speeds. The LED's work great with DCC. The have virtually no draw, no heat and are really bright. The sometimes have a bluei***int to them, but I do not find it offensive. I am starting to use fiber optics as lenses with the LED's. The light is bright and projects well.

[Anonymous]

Constant brightness in DC for bulbs require 4 silicon diodes to set up a 1.5 volt drop across the motor circuit. That's it, 4- 5 cent 1n4001 diodes and a 1.5 volt lamp. In dcc all one needs is a 12v bulb. As to brightness, LEDs might put out more lumes per watt, but for ultimate brightness (if that is what you are after) small 12v halogens outshine all. Remember though, if the light is too bright it shines through even painted plastic. You can get them and white leds from www.allelectronics.com/ along with lots of other parts like low rpm ac motors. I think all current white LEDs are t-1 3/4 which are kind of big for N, but you could notch your frame. But to use an LED you also need include a full wave bridge for polarity control and a dropper resistor. That's a lot to pack in an n. And what's a facer?

[Anonymous]

Constant brightness in DC for bulbs require 4 silicon diodes to set up a 1.5 volt drop across the motor circuit. That's it, 4- 5 cent 1n4001 diodes and a 1.5 volt lamp. In dcc all one needs is a 12v bulb. As to brightness, LEDs might put out more lumes per watt, but for ultimate brightness (if that is what you are after) small 12v halogens outshine all. Remember though, if the light is too bright it shines through even painted plastic. You can get them and white leds from www.allelectronics.com/ along with lots of other parts like low rpm ac motors. I think all current white LEDs are t-1 3/4 which are kind of big for N, but you could notch your frame. But to use an LED you also need include a full wave bridge for polarity control and a dropper resistor. That's a lot to pack in an n. And what's a facer?

[der5997]

flee307 "But they are too complex and costly for any benefit as a loco headlight." That comes as a bit of a facer. I had heard that they were brighter than bulbs, and not as complex as a constant brightness circuit in dc.
BTW, the original question was an HO reference, but does Radio Shack stock white LEDs suitable for N?

[der5997]

flee307 "But they are too complex and costly for any benefit as a loco headlight." That comes as a bit of a facer. I had heard that they were brighter than bulbs, and not as complex as a constant brightness circuit in dc.
BTW, the original question was an HO reference, but does Radio Shack stock white LEDs suitable for N?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you need a dropping resistor. And also a polarity device. There are different ways to do this depending on if you use dcc or dc. Experiment with red leds at fifty cents versus $5 for a white one. I still use lightbulbs because white leds are more trouble than they are worth, cost way too much, and are not really white, but bluish white... I have a white LED flshlight and it is really nice, is bright, light,and easy on AA batteries. But they are too complex and costly for any benefit as a loco headlight.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you need a dropping resistor. And also a polarity device. There are different ways to do this depending on if you use dcc or dc. Experiment with red leds at fifty cents versus $5 for a white one. I still use lightbulbs because white leds are more trouble than they are worth, cost way too much, and are not really white, but bluish white... I have a white LED flshlight and it is really nice, is bright, light,and easy on AA batteries. But they are too complex and costly for any benefit as a loco headlight.

[emdgp92]

You'll need a dropping resistor to install an LED in a locomotive. Otherwise, track power could fry it.

[emdgp92]

You'll need a dropping resistor to install an LED in a locomotive. Otherwise, track power could fry it.

[Anonymous]

Radioshack sells white leds and most stores stock them.

[Anonymous]

Radioshack sells white leds and most stores stock them.

[Anonymous]

Does any company sell White LED headlights for HO locos without them standard?

[Anonymous]

Does any company sell White LED headlights for HO locos without them standard?