Alright, so I can get all the info a few weeks before starting, I'll put this out now. Most locomotives come with an Amber LED for a headlight (the new Athearn Mike is a perfect example). The solution is the 1.5 V microbulbs, because the white LEDs seem to be too blue. Question is, who's used these bulbs, and do you have to drop the voltage (ie resistors??) to use them. DCC/non-DCC answers both welcome (looking for DCC). Thanks ------------------ Corey Lynch VP - Rensselaer Model RR Society NEB&W RR
All of my units equipped to lead use 1.5v microbulbs for their lights; the club I operate with uses cab control. These bulbs must have something to drop the voltage, or otherwise, they become flashbulbs! To do this, I either make simple diode packs for the units that have "plain" headlights/ditchlights, or I use the very nice (but out of production) Ibenlite or Hyperlite light circuits for the units that have "specialty" lights, like Stratolite beacons, or Pyle Gyralights. ------------------ Have A Nice Day!
I use a 1.9 volt bulb and run it at 1.4 volts with dropping resistors. I'm running it on straight DC now but it is seamlessly transferrable to DCC, when I switch over. By running it at 1.4 volts the bulb lasts a lot longer and also burns just a bit to the amber, you lose all the "blue". LOL ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine.
I'm sorry, I should have given you more information the first time around. you need to know the maximum voltage to the tracks, the voltage of the bulbs and the current of the bulbs. The latter item is usually expressed in MA or milleampiers. For example: lets say you've got 18Volts to the tracks, 1.9volt/30ma for the bulb but you want to run it at 1.4 volts so that becomes the value of the bulb. So first take 18 (-) 1.4 = 16.6 then divide that by the 30ma as .030 that = 555 ohms. Now I don't recall if there is a resistor made at that value, if not tie resistors in series to get to that value. Remember if you parallell resistors you cut their value in half, so make sure they are in series and I've forgoten the formula for wattage of the resistor but I reckon 1/2 watt will be plenty. ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine. [This message has been edited by ChrisDante (edited 24 April 2000).]
Thanks guys, now I need some help. In particular I am looking at the aformentioned Genesis Mikado. I'm attaching the light to a circuit board that has a resistor (don't remember the value, but can check, I've taken a few electronics courses at school). I just attached the bulb, and had no light, but the LED worked before it. Any suggestions? ------------------ Corey Lynch VP - Rensselaer Model RR Society NEB&W RR
