This is how I test the SMD LEDs

This is how I test the SMD LEDs, I used a 9 Volt battery with wires connected to small clamps. I build a small jig with two different resistors to test how bright I want the LEDs to be.

--Bill B.

This is the size of the Econami decoder

This is the size of the Econami decoder. They are getting smaller and smaller. I can now fit it into the boiler behind the weight.

--Bill B.

Source

Where do you get the LEDs?

You can get the LEDs

@GregW66. I get the SMD LEDs from a local hobby store, RailMaster Hobbies. You can also get them from eBay, search on "SMD LED 0603" in Toys and Hobbies. I sort on bright white, and then I tint them to the color I like, but they come in other colors.

--Bill B.

Fantastic

i look forward to seeing this in action. 

Neil  

I good looking start with

I good looking start with your LED lighting.
Maybe you should reflect to use smaller LEDs for classification lights and number boards like 0402 or 0401. These sizes are these which I prefer to use. And if you find a dealer then try to receive pre-wired LEDs of this small size. This will give you a faster success.

My preferred LED dealer is LED Baron. He sends also to USA.

classification lights and number boards

Hi @modelsof1900

Yes, I normally use the 0402 for the classification lights and number boards, but I only had 0603. I have the 0402 on order, but I got inpatient. I think I am going to wait for the 0402. Yes I order the pre-wired, my eyes are not good enough to solder the magnet wires on.

I know I can order on the internet, but I try to support my LHS, even with the little things.

Bill B.  

A little bit of progress on

A little bit of progress on my DCC install after the Christmas break. I have threaded the SMD LEDs into their sockets and test lit them. I use a 9v battery and 3.3K-Ohn resistor to power the LEDs. 

A FL4 function only decoder will go into the smokebox and will control the headlight, classification lights, number board lights, and firebox lights. I have decided to use a WOW decoder in the tender, it will control the motor, sound and backup light.

I ran a test of the LEDs to make sure that they are working. I used a 9v battery and 3.3K-Ohm resistor to test.

--Bill B.

I just started with LED...

...but this is the reason I got started to do things like this. I really appreciate you sowing off some of your tips and tricks to the rest of us. Please keep us posted on your progress!

Liquid Tape

The SMD LEDs that I use have 6" magnet wires. These wires have a thin lacquer coating that can easily be scraped off as it rubs up against the brass. All of a sudden you will have a short that is hard to find. To help avoid this I coat the wires with Liquid Tape. Liquid tape is a black goop that electricians use to insulate wire connections. I use a toothpick to gently coat the magnet wires with a very thin coat.

If you look closely you will see the black coating on the wires behind the LEDs.

--bill b.

Just a little bit of progress

Just a little bit of progress installing DCC in my brass K-36. Even though the SMD LEDs 0603 are small, 0.06mm x 0.03mm, they were just a little bit too big for the classification lights.

I had an order in for the 0402 LEDs and they arrived in the mail. I removed the 0603 and saved them for another project and threaded the 0402.

To protect the 0402 from shorting out against the brass, I applied a thin layer of Aleene's Clear Tacky Glue and allowed to dry. I then tinted the 0402 with a drop of Tamiya Clear Orange acrylic paint.

Attached is a picture of my progress. It looks like a bad hair day with all these wires all over the place, but next comes the basket weaving of the LED wires and attaching resistors and make everything nice and neat. I glue a short piece of Fast Tracks PC board tie to the inside of the boiler. I use the tie to solder the ends of the magnet wires and the resisters. Kind of like making a mini manifold.

--Bill B.

Programming the Decoder

I found a little extra time to get back to installing a decoder in my brass 2-8-2.

I have all the 0402 SMD LEDs threaded. So now is the time to program the decoder. I like to set up the decoder and test everything before the decoder gets installed.

I built a board with a NCE 5 amp setup, circuit protection and Sountraxx booster to program Tsunami's.

I also bought a few bags of Radio Shack small copper clips. I soldered some of the clips to some Fast Tracks ties. I connected an old motor to give the decoder something to respond to and another set of clips for the speaker. 

I have JMRI on my laptop and I have a cable that connects to the NCE programming connection.

Then I connect everything to the decoder and fire up the system. I have a standard setup saved in JMRI that I push to the decoder. Then I set the engine number to 483.

I can then customize the sounds, whistle, chuff, bell, etc. because I have the speaker attached to the decoder.

I also go around the engine and test the SMD LEDs

Here is a picture of what I am talking about.

--Bill B.