Track and electrical/DCC
Use the factory light board?
I want to add a backup light to a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0. I have a Digitrax SDN136 decoder plugged into the factory board. Once I changed out the tiny speaker for an iPhone 4 speaker, it runs and sounds great. Would it be easier to disconnect the yellow decoder wire from the plug and use it for the backup light and tie into the blue (common) wire, or should I take the light board out and wire everything direct?
New Haven Comet Sound Decoder Recommendations
I recently came into a Con-Cor New Haven Comet, standard DC version. Con-Cor used to sell a version of the Digitrax SHD164 with an oval speaker. This product has been discontinued by Digitrax and the replacement uses a speaker with sound box (the Comet has a oval sound box already installed).
While there are some sources for the Con-Cor item, prices are in the $70-80. I could use a recommendation for an alternative sound decoder and speaker.
Connecting a Prototype Master Controller to DCC?
Alright, I have a weird question. I have a real master controller from an old New Haven Washboard MU car. I have the handles, keys and stand. I've opened it up and cleaned it up, and it still has all of its wiring in place, so i assume it would still work if one were to put power through it. I also happen to have a few resin models of the prototype.
16 VAC transformer
Hi, I've got an electrical question, hoping someone here can help. I found 2 wall-wart transformers from an old phone system, which I thought were DC output, but they aren't. Their output is 16 VAC, 250mA.
So, the question is, what could they be used for on the railroad (N-scale, if that matters)? I know pretty much everything is DC-powered, so I'm thinking they might not be of any use, but thought I'd get some advice before throwing them out. Who knows, might be useful for something.
Thanks
Decoder pro learning curve/ no sound?
We spent a few hours getting JMRI downloaded and playing with Decoder Pro. I am assuming I can listen to the sound on the programming track? Not sure? The throttle tab and window has no effect. I would like to listen to the different horn and bell settings but not sure what I am doing wrong? No sound at all on the programming track and I am using the PR3 as a stand alone programmer. I will be reading the manuals tonight.
I have been watching video's and such but I am really confused at the moment.
Using a PR3 with JMRI
OK, so it's been some time since I utilized my PR3. I know I had it hooked up and running trains on my cell phone using it but I want to confirm with the experts if it will work as a standalone without a Digitrax DCC system, or do you need the command station or just a booster? I'm guessing you need the command station, but thought I would check.
Intermountain cab forward question
Has anyone installed an Intermountain mother board in one of their dc cab forwards? One of my friends received the parts from Intermountain to convert from dcc to loksound. There was no documentation included. Most of the wiring was straight forward. However, it is unclear where to solder the speaker wires.. And here is the kicker.. Intermountain hasn't answered for requests for this info.. and asking a question on their FB page is a joke.. Bueller? Bueller? So...any correct answer as to where to attach the speaker wires? Thanks in advance..
OK... 12V transformer for DCC ???
So, I was reading an article about power safety and I realized the old days of DCC truly were a little dangerous with little fingers or careless fingers potentially able to touch 120V circuitry. To fix this, I was either going to put these "bare" transformers in an electronics project box with rocker switches and LED status lights, etc. like this:
Eye Bleed with Code 83 Turnouts
Hello folks. I am here writing for a friend whom doesn't do the internet very well due to his injuries ( Veteran ). We have been reading till our eyes have bled out about the HO different code styles of rail. Kurt has pretty much decided on code 83 as he has nothing in a box to start from. We have been reading about 20-25 threads here about rail codes and different brands of turnouts. I have zero experience with HO so Kurt and myself will have to rely upon your expertise.
How do I get rid of LED flicker when in DC reverse mode?
I recently added flat top 12v LED's to two of my diesel locos and they are great except for one thing, they flicker when the engine is in reverse. These LED's came with resistors already installed which was a time saver but now if I wanted to add a reverse protection diode it would be almost impossible to do without destroying the LED. While searching for the answer to this problem, I came across the following circuit on this list and am wondering if this will work to eliminate the reverse flickering?
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