I’m converting an Amtrak OMI B32-8HW to dcc. I would like to use the function capabilities of the SDH164D to control the alternating beacon lights beside the number boards. My only issues are selecting bulbs. LEDs don’t work with this decoder. Can anyone tell me who makes the best grain of wheat type bulbs to use for headlights, ditch lights and beacon lights? Also, what is the voltage and amperage for the headlight and function outputs? Thanks
Scale,
If you have to use incandescents, I would go with Miniatronics. They put out a very good product in a variety of sizes, voltages, and mAs.
Tom
Why do you think LEDs won’t work with this decoder?
I’d be very surprised if they didn’t. To use a LED, you need to wire it with the correct polarity, and insert a resistor (1K is good) in series with the LED.
You can use LED’s - you just need a current limiting resister wired in series to protect them. Here is the ‘spec’ sheet for the decoder:
Jim
Maybe the OP is referring to the less than stellar effects with Digitrax decoders and leds?
Joe
LEDs work fine with Digitrax decoders for basic on-off headlights and markers. But not so good for the special effects like beacons and Mars lightsYou need to adjust the holdover time to 0, anything else and the LED never actually goes off during the off time - they mention this in the decoder manual. The effect is still less than ideal compared to say TCS which has an individually customizable ‘dim’ setting for each function output to allow for a mix of LEDs and incandescent bulbs, or different types of LEDs, such are regualr T3 size ones for the headlight and micro SMD LEDs in ditch lights or beacons.
–Randy