I need some information on how to install LED lighting in DC locomotives. I have the right size LED’s 3V. I was an O scale guy and would just wire these up with a resistor to the track power and ground. Is it any different with HO
Kev
If you are running normal DC in HO it is just like O gauge. Just a sutiable dropping resistor and the LED are all that is needed. Mind the polarity of course for forward and reverse light motion. The light will not come on until you have about 2-3 volts on the rails and will brighten as you increase voltage. Selection of the resistor will determine how bright the LED gets versus your track voltage. The LED will get brighter faster than an old incandescent which was rather linear with voltage.
Richard
Let’s start at the beginning. DC or DCC? Richard covered DC pretty well.
Joe
Thanks I appreciate it very much I can do it. I have no DCC yet.
Kev
KEV,
Check out your other thread,about F-7’s,A&B…I posted a link there,for you to read and includes LED’s…
Cheers,
Frank
Here’s another good article…
http://www.ulrichmodels.com/prostores/DCC_Topics/LED_Technical_Article.PDF
Nope, exactly the same. Electricity is electricity regardless of the scale of the model train.
As a prior poster noted when wired directly, once the LED comes on, it will get brighter as the amount of current increases. IF you don’t mind a lower top speed the LEDs are fairly easy to make a constant intensity using a few more diodes and putting them in series with the motor.