I have a new lok-sound decoder added to a PCM F3. My DCC command station is NCE. All features seem to work but the Mars light. I have tried reprogramming the proper CV’s but the control button, “7” on the cab does not activate the F7 to make aux 1 work. I have the 8-pin NMRA plug and a spare blue or violet wire which is not connected. Is that the issue?? I can make the Mars light work if I reprogram CV113, but then the normal headlight function is disabled.
John
If the mars light is the “3rd” light, then yes, you need to connect thoes wires.
David
Dear David,
Do you know how I would physically hook up the separate lead?
Is the strobe an LED? If so, Wire the Green to the -ve (small) lead and the other you have to tap into the Blue lead with a resistor (or you can put the resistor on the Green wire if you wish). You cant tell which lead is which…if it doesnt work, then reverse them.
If it is an Incadecent bulb, then the leads can go to either wire…
IIRC there is a setting in the LokSound decoder that will allow you to change the voltage on the LEDs to allow you to run an LED without a resistor. I would read your manual to see if this is true.
David
The Mars light is an LED. I found it was wired in parallel to the headlight, so both lights come on simultaneously. I disconnected the power lead to the Mars light while maintaining the common as is and can theoretically run it independently if I can figure out how to connect the power lead to Aux 1. I tried connecting to the green wire where it enters the NMRA 8-pin plug to no avail. Is there someplace on the motherboard to do this or is perhaps the decoder defective?
John
try connecting directly to the green wire comming from the decoder. Once connected, you will have to program it according to the decoder documentation.
David