DCC lighting

[colubridae]

How can I connect LEDs to my decoder?

(i don't even know if the request is phrased validly)

The decoder I'm thinking of has 8 wires coming out of the decoder which plug into 8 'plug holes' in the socket.

any help please?

[Flashbang]

Hi
Decoders use a common Blue Positive wire for all Functions.
The Function wires are White, Yellow, Green and Purple on a 4 function decoder. Note on a four function decoder the fourth purple wire is not connected to the 8 pin plug - its a free wire. On 2 function decoders only the White and Yellow wires are provided, with the common Blue. On a 3 function decoder White, Yellow and Green wires are provided together with the common Blue.

F0 key turns ON/Off white and yellow wires. F1 Green and F2 Purple.
Note White and Yellow function wires are directionally controlled.

You need to ensure each LED is connected the correct way around on the wires. The longer lead of an LED is the Positive (Anode) and it will be connected to the Blue wire.

Don't forget each LED needs have its own series resistor fitted. The minimum value I recommend is 1K0 (1000 OHMs) at 1/4watt or a higher wattage. The only time a resistor can be omitted is if the LEDs are rated at 12 volts then they have a resistor factory built in.

Depending on the locos main printed circuit board, you may find the manufactures have provided copper circuit tracks leading away from the appropriate pins on the 8 pin socket to unused solder pads on the edge of the PCB. You will have to examine the PCB underside to determine if these connections are provided.

Wiring for decoder lighting is shown here if its any help....Link to web site (http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/DCC.htm#Decoder%20controlled%20lighting)

[colubridae]

Depending on the locos main printed circuit board, you may find the manufactures have provided copper circuit tracks leading away from the appropriate pins on the 8 pin socket to unused solder pads on the edge of the PCB. You will have to examine the PCB underside to determine if these connections are provided.



Ahhh this is the bit that I didn’t understand.

If I read you correctly the white and yellow wires coming out of the decoder must be connected to the lights (negative end) with the blue to the positive ends.
And that these wires may lead into and back out of the decoder socket.
And that though they are connected into the 8pin socket they serve no purpose on the decoder socket, other than as a central connection point?

If I solder onto these wires, leads to my LEDs will this work?

Once again I am indebted to you. Your replies are much appreciated.


:)

[Flashbang]

Hi
Yes your correct re LED wiring. Dont forget white and yellow wires are directionally controlled and both are turned On by F0. White is On when going forward. Yellow is On when going in reverse.

If you carefully remove the main PCB from its mounts and turn it carefully over, then look at its underneath you will see copper tracks. You need to locate the white wires pin on the 8 pin socket underneath (pin No 6) and see if there is any copper track connected to that pin leading off along the PCB. If so, trace it along the PCB and see where it ends. If it stops at a solder pad on the edge of the PCB then that is the place to solder your LED wires. Do the same for pins 2 & 7. Pin 2 (Yellow), 6 (White) and 7 (Blue) If no copper tracks leading off from these pins you will need to make your connections either to the place where the socket is soldered onto the main PCB (it might have small circular pads for the manufactures to solder all the sockets pins onto). Or solder LED feed wires to the top of the decoder plug. Alternatively cut off the wires at the plug and make soldered in-line joints.

Just ensure Blue runs to all LEDs and is their Positive wire. Don't forget those series resistors too.

[colubridae]

will try it soon. On hols from tomorrow.

There is no copper track just a spot to solder onto.

Again thanks a lot.:)

[Flashbang]

will try it soon. On hols from tomorrow.

There is no copper track just a spot to solder onto.

Again thanks a lot.:)

Hi
Then those are the places to solder all your wires leading out to the loco. This would then allow decoder swap with out having to unsolder anything. :)

[colubridae]

Hi
Then those are the places to solder all your wires leading out to the loco. This would then allow decoder swap with out having to unsolder anything. :)
Thanks FB sorry for reply delay... been on hols... :)