I have several N scale engines with Digitrax DCC (i.e. MILW FT's) that have the headlight on when moving forward and off in reverse. Is it possible to program these for a headlight on all the time? Or do I have to wire the decoder with a jumper to tie them together? Second question; How do you program a "MARS" light? Thanks for the help. Dave
Dave, welcome on Trainboard! Changing lighting effects is as easy as changing the configuration of the decoders. (No need to wire anything!) A Mars light is a kind of oscillating light that could be turned on under various circumstances. It was red in color. If your locos have two headlights, one of them probably is a Mars light. E7's of the Milwaukee Road had 2 headlights, one of them a Marslight. How to program the effects? Since I'm not familar with Digitrax decoders, I'd say you should consult the manuals. E.g. on Lenz Decoders, you program CV(Configuration Variable) 51 to 15 to get an effect called "Rule 17 lighting" and there is a separate wire (green or violet) for the Mars lights. www.digitrax.com has the manuals, search for lighting effects. Since you didn't mention what command station you are using I can't tell you how to program individual CVs. Hope to gave you a start! Michael
I did mean to mention that I am using the Zephyr Digitrax system to program along with a Loconet and a hand held DT400r throttle. Thanks
You can easily program headlights without rewiring the decoder. You can read about programming The Digitrax decoders by reading the Digitrax decoder manual which you can download from their website. It has about 90 pages of useful info going into all the CV values and their options. It doesn't matter what DCC command station you're using to reprogram the lighting effects that you want. Stay cool and run steam....
Thanks, I think I figured out the directional lighting question. I need to change the "value" of CV61 from 0 to 1. Then the forward light operates from F0 and the rear light (if it has one) from F4. Can't wait to get home from work now to try it!! Thanks..... Now for the "Mars" light..........
Dave: I'm glad you resolved the problem. I use mainly Lenz decoders which I hardwire into my steam loco's. The diesels for the most part use Digitrax drop-ins. Stay cool and run steam......
