I have a couple of ho Atlas S2’s with a flickering headlight problem. The light that is supposed to be off when the loco is moving flickers. I have cleaned the track and the wheels on the locos and no change. What else needs to be done and is there a youtube video that might help? thanks in advance
Bruce
Install a diode in series with the LED.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I have no idea how to do that. Any place I can get instructions on doing that?
Is there a decoder involved (DCC) and is the decoder from Digitrax ?
Marc
no it is straight DC
Reverse voltage spikes will cause an LED to flicker, install a diode in series with the LED.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Hi alcofanschdy,
In case you are not familiar with electronics symbols, let me try to explain.
A diode is a component that only allows electricity to flow in one direction. You will need something like this:
Diodes have to be installed pointing in the right direction. The arrow in the diode symbol points in the direction of the desired current flow. Rather than spending hours trying to figure out the proper current flow, just hook the diode up temporarily until you get the right setup.
The squiggly line represents a 1000 ohm resistor. Without a resistor you will fry the LED. There may be one in the circuit already, but if you add in a second resistor it won’t affect the light. Resistors are not polarity sensitive, nor does it matter which side of the LED they are on.
For doing your testing, I highly recommend a set of these:
Hope this helps. Don’t be afraid to ask more questions.
Cheers!!
Dave