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So how can this be done? Anyone have a list of parts and pictures? Or a "Lights for Dummies" I am not running DCC.....yet, some day. In the mean time LEDS would be nice. What are my options? Easier to convert each loco to DCC and wire the LEDs to the decoder? More money and a waste of time to do this for a DC set up just to redo it with DCC down the road?
There's a good general article on how to improve Athearn BB engines at http://www.mcor-nmra.org/Publications/Articles/Athearn_TuneUp.html. It includes a small section about tossing the standard headlight and wiring in a new one up in the headlight casing. This can be done with either a mini-incandescent or an LED. The only difference would be the need to wire in resistors if you're using LED's. This is basically done the same way using DC by runing a wire form the motor or running the same wire to a decoder.
The downside is that you want constant or directional lighting like you would for a DCC decoder. There are DC constant/directional ighting kits sold for Athearn BB engines but the price is about the same as a DCC decoder. Having the lights wired to a DCC decoder with a DCC control system will result in lights that don't work so tha's not a very viable solution. Seems like you've got three possible solutions:
1. For less than $5, wire up LED headlight bulbs but accept the fact that you won't get directional or constant lighting.
2. Spend $25 to $30 for a directional constant lighting kit for DC but you'll have to toss it if you do go with DCC.
3. Stop swimming upstream and switch to DCC now and save the intermediate steps.
For now I will go with option 1. I already have the LEDs I just need to figure out what resistor I need then how to make them work. You say its less then $5 a loco? I did read the article but I think I need more info? I am new to the world of wiring and Im sure my radio shack is of no help. The closesest hobby shop is 2 hours away. I am going to do the tune ups I found in the article though. What are the cheapest basic function decoders for athern BB engine? Less then 20? Where can i find them? Ebay? Sorry for so many questions.
Welcome to the forum, Chad. I have been using NCE D13SR decoders I got in 4 packs on sale at Walthers for about $50 or about $13 ea. I like them because they have 4 functions for lighting vs equivalent Digitrax with only 2 functions.
I don't know how to do lighting without putting in decoders because they have a constant 13V supply. Once you get past the initial learning curve (fustration) you won't look back.
All you need to do is add a resistor in line with the wiring from the motor to the LED. A 1000 ohm resistor should do the trick. The LED doesn't care about voltage, just current. Since most LED's are 1.5 volts, you need the resistor in-line to limit the current or you'll blow the LED.
Since it sounds like you want to stick with DC, the decoder is irrrelevant. Wiring most decoders to an engine means it won't run on DC. There are dual mode decoders that will allow you to run on DC and DCC but they are more expensive than straight DCC decoders. You can find Bachmann dual mode decoders on e-bay for about $50 for a three pack.
It looks like a have some options. I think the best it to buy decoders and start switching to DCC. Looks like a nice system can be picked up for $150.
Thanks for the options.
Oh can you run a DC loco on DCC track?
The answer is generally yes. The majority of engines with DC can run on a DCC layout although you can usually only run one DC engine at a time. It helps to have an outboard DC thottle as well since trying to control both DCC and DC engines from the same throttle is possible but tricky as one or the othe other tends to run away when you switch between DC and DCC. Just don't leave a DC engine idling on a powered DCC layout or you'll find you'll have a burned up motor in a fairly short time.
