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Post by longlivethecnj on Sept 16, 2014 13:04:07 GMT -5
Hi All,
I was wondering how possible is it to add operating marker lights on an Atlas Gold Series with QSI Sound in my NJT GP40-2. The board is very tight and can't find extra function outputs. I wanna use an LED and 2 fiber optics to do markers on at least the head end. Is is possible to do this with out ripping out the board?
Thanks
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Sept 16, 2014 14:53:10 GMT -5
I don't know the specs of the QSI board, but one option if you don't have extra function outputs is to run the leads for the markers off those for the rear headlight. That way the markers will come on at the front whenever the rear headlight is on (i.e. running in reverse).
Obviously this may not be what you want, as prototypically you should be able to have the markers controlled independently. But it is an option if you don't have other function outputs to work with.
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Post by backshophoss on Sept 16, 2014 15:26:23 GMT -5
The QSI Factory installed Sound decoders tend to not have any extra fuction outputs,
an option would be installing a fuction only decoder like a Digitrax TL-1 to control
the markers on both ends of unit(if there's space avaible)
Just program the fuction only decoder to turn on the markers when the geep is in push mode.
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Post by mgwsy on Sept 16, 2014 17:10:31 GMT -5
Using fiber optics will be a PITA, I would suggest using red surface mount LEDs with Cannon castings. I did an Alaska loco but used LEDs I turned down on a lathe but I still had to mill the weights front and rear. mgwsy.smugmug.com/ModelTrains-2/Model-Trains/ |
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Post by longlivethecnj on Sept 16, 2014 19:30:13 GMT -5
Using fiber optics will be a PITA, I would suggest using red surface mount LEDs with Cannon castings. I did an Alaska loco but used LEDs I turned down on a lathe but I still had to mill the weights front and rear. mgwsy.smugmug.com/ModelTrains-2/Model-Trains/ Mark, Did you use magnet wire for your wires on the surface mount LED's? The Atlas Gold frames/ weight have it all milled out already so it's basically "marker light ready". Can the magnet wire be used with regular full sized LED's? Need a lighter/smaller wire to rewire my NJT F40, I was using 18 gauge that is way too thick and bulky! I can't find any stores by me that sells anything smaller than 18 gauge wire. -Greg |
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Post by longlivethecnj on Sept 16, 2014 19:33:31 GMT -5
I don't know the specs of the QSI board, but one option if you don't have extra function outputs is to run the leads for the markers off those for the rear headlight. That way the markers will come on at the front whenever the rear headlight is on (i.e. running in reverse). Obviously this may not be what you want, as prototypically you should be able to have the markers controlled independently. But it is an option if you don't have other function outputs to work with. Yeah, I thought about that. I have 4302 which is strictly in MOW/equipment move service. I would like to have control of markers separately if possible. If I'm going to go to accessory decoder route, might as well add ditch lights & strobes. |
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Post by backshophoss on Sept 17, 2014 2:12:47 GMT -5
The Digitrak TL-4 has 4 fuction outputs,which is what I used to install lights in a NMRX cab car,
if you install working Ditch lights on borh ends,they wont be able to flash.
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Post by mgwsy on Sept 17, 2014 17:41:10 GMT -5
Using fiber optics will be a PITA, I would suggest using red surface mount LEDs with Cannon castings. I did an Alaska loco but used LEDs I turned down on a lathe but I still had to mill the weights front and rear. mgwsy.smugmug.com/ModelTrains-2/Model-Trains/ Mark, Did you use magnet wire for your wires on the surface mount LED's? The Atlas Gold frames/ weight have it all milled out already so it's basically "marker light ready". Can the magnet wire be used with regular full sized LED's? Need a lighter/smaller wire to rewire my NJT F40, I was using 18 gauge that is way too thick and bulky! I can't find any stores by me that sells anything smaller than 18 gauge wire. -Greg FOr most of my lighting I currently do I use magnet wire and never had any issues, I have had some people break Ditch Lights off and had to rdo them which can be a PITA but running the wires is very easy when you use magnet wire. |
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Post by backshophoss on Sept 17, 2014 20:55:24 GMT -5
If you need extra wire for the LEDs Digitrax sells a pkg of 30 AWG wires 1 of each color wire used,
(Walters #245-DCCRWIRE,MSRP $14.99)same wire size used on most decoders.
TCS(Walters#745)offers wire in all the colors in 30,32,and 36 AWG,pg806 of the current(2014)catalog.
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