Function only (lighting only.) decoder

Nodrog1826

Nodrog1826

Professional Idiot
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I am looking for advice/info. of a suitable lighting decoder, for the fitting of lighting effects to a building, this one...

P1020397.JPG

I am planning to add lights to the underside of the roof overhangs and the interior, probably those flexi led strips that you can cut. to fit.

I have looked at a the TCS FL4 function decoder,
http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommer...ction-only/tcs-fl4-function-only-decoder.aspx
but this is a 00 market item, so not sure of any problems in the upper voltage end with Massoth, or any other problems outdoors that may present themselves.

If all else fails I could just go with the led and a battery set up.
 
Gordon. I've got an LGB 55040 function only decoder somewhere which I haven't found a use for yet. I don't have any instructions for it (and don't even know if it works) so am not really sure what it's for or capable of. I only bought it on a whim. Would this be an option for you I've also got some 12,V dc led strip and diodes to make a bridge rectifier, but nothing in the way of voltage limitation.


Mike.
 
I have to ask: why go to the expense / complexity of a decoder, unless you actually want to be able to turn the lights off and on via DCC? What "effects" did you have in mind? Otherwise just use a rectifier and voltage regulator.

I'd probably run a separate power bus (ie. a pair of low voltage garden lighting wires) rather than sap the DCC power.
 
In Poundland's post Xmas sale I bought a large number of their battery powered tree light sets with between 10 and 20 LEDs. A bargain at 25p a pop and they are destined for coach and building lights. The battery boxes are compact and will fit nicely on the underside without much working. I tested the longevity with their own cheapie (18 for a quid) AAs and got over 24 hours continuous use. That'll do nicely as they say. Another option?
 
I had thought of running it via dcc, as a central hub for other lights, platform, buildings etc.

In addition as a housing/cover for boxed point modules, sort of a box over a box.

But I am open to any suggestions, and can see the ease of a lift off box and batteries, I had also thought of running bulbs off those cheap solar patio lights units.
 
ntpntpntp said:
I have to ask: why go to the expense / complexity of a decoder, unless you actually want to be able to turn the lights off and on via DCC?
Click to expand...
Precisely.
 
Would it work with a resister in circuit - just like with LEDs on higher voltages.
 
stockers said:
Would it work with a resister in circuit - just like with LEDs on higher voltages.
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Yes with bulbs, but you might need a high wattage resistor to cope with the current draw if you need to drop the voltage to the bulbs. With LEDs and just a resistor you'd be running the LEDs on half-wave. In either case the resistor would be wasting power (and getting hot). IMO you're better off with a bridge rectifier, a smoothing capacitor and a voltage regulator. If you just want to drive a few LEDs at say 10-15mA each then you should be able to pick up the components for a quid or so total.
 
I am talking about the Chip here Nick.
 
Nodrog1826 said:
I am looking for advice/info. of a suitable lighting decoder, for the fitting of lighting effects to a building, this one...

View attachment 218486

I am planning to add lights to the underside of the roof overhangs and the interior, probably those flexi led strips that you can cut. to fit.

I have looked at a the TCS FL4 function decoder,
http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommer...ction-only/tcs-fl4-function-only-decoder.aspx
but this is a 00 market item, so not sure of any problems in the upper voltage end with Massoth, or any other problems outdoors that may present themselves.

If all else fails I could just go with the led and a battery set up.
Click to expand...
I had a quick look but I can't find any specifications for this chip?

So assume it is suitable for OO voltages only.

Might be worth an email to them directly....

http://tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Email_List/Email_Signup.php
 
stockers said:
I am talking about the Chip here Nick.
Click to expand...
Ah... gotcha. Nah, better off using a string of inverse-parallel diodes to drop the voltage a bit (rather than use a resistor). The same approach has been used to drop the voltage to certain decoders in Bachmann locos as I recall.

Hmm... I've used TCS loco decoders in my Playmobil locos. As has been said, nothing in the instructions for the FL4 about maximum voltage, all it says is for All scales. Yep, send an email.

[edit]
Ah-ha it says here https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Technical_Info/Tech_Info/FAQPage.php?q=20
"...all TCS decoders will safely operate up to 24 volts track power. "

Seem to remember reading that when I was investigating the suitability of the loco decoders.
[/edit]
 
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So it looks like the TCS decoder will be safe, just after my last disaster with the Massoth function decoder, not doing what it says in the blurb, I have discounted using one.

Still looking at those led coiled strips you can cut every three, 9 on each side, depending on brightness, some rooms lit inside, frosted glass effect with other windows blacked out, not exactly sure about the gable end treatment just yet.
 
I use mainly a DC supply for my lighting but where I wish to use the DCC rails as a power source, or need to drop the voltage, I use the regulator below to drop down voltage (either from AC or DC).
Work great for LEDs from DCC power.......
Take any input from about 3 to 30v DC and 3 to 22 v AC
They have variable output (nice for 'dimming' LEDs output)
They can control multiple LEDs or just one and they are cheap at under £4 a pop

Put it in a sealed container on a pad to raise it off the bottom with a couple of silica gel bags (for drying atmosphere) on a cold day and they stay dry all year around.....


Here is a link to the ebay auction:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-display-LM317-Adjustable-Voltage-Regulator-Step-down-module-AC-DC-Kl/381793307761?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=2&asc=40860&meid=ef6456f924ba456480f1d1d71473281c&pid=100005&rk=4&rkt=6&sd=182256151570
upload_2017-1-17_9-50-18.png
 
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A eMOTION 8FL Function Decoder has lots of lighting possibilities . The less current way is a resistor and an LED with a diode in the opposite direction across it, ( reverse polarity) this is the correct AC wiring. The resistor will be half the normal value for your voltage.
 
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