Massoth Light Bar with external Power Cap

andyspencer

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Hi all,

Just wondering if anybody has added an external capacitor (not a Massoth power cap) to the current version of their digital light bar? The manual says it needs to have an electrical strength of at least 35v. I've just tried adding a 35v 3300uf cap to the connects as per the manual and all I get is weird flashing/strobing of the lights... Remove the capacitor and all returns to normal. Wanted to try this on the light bar before I added a cap to the 8 function mini decoder in my other coaches.
 
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andyspencer

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Thanks for the replies. I've just tried a 220uf cap and get the same result :(


I'm looking at page 7 of this manual which only mentions the voltage, but says it can be done without any additional electronics...
 

PhilP

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Are you *sure* you have correct polarity, and connection points?
 
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yep, my first question too in the first response to him :)

Looks pretty simple... maybe you should take the cap, disconnect it... charge it with a battery and see if it holds a charge.

Stay under 35v! Wear eye protection! (don't ask me how I know this)

Greg
 

andyspencer

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The more I'm thinking about it, would it make more sense for the cap to be on the Dec+ and Dec- connections like if you were using a Massoth power cap unit? I've not seen the Elko+ connection on any other decoder before.
 
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It's hard to see what the Elko+ pad is hooked to:
massoth-lichtleiste-2-1024x768.jpg
 

PhilP

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The more I'm thinking about it, would it make more sense for the cap to be on the Dec+ and Dec- connections like if you were using a Massoth power cap unit? I've not seen the Elko+ connection on any other decoder before.

You could call or email Massoth?

I know Peter is no longer there, but I have heard good reports of support being a lot faster than in the past.
 
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perpetualnewbie

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Thank you! This is relevant to me as well. What about slapping a small resistor or choke on it to limit inrush current, with a diode t'other way for output?
 

PhilP

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Any update Andy? - Original Poster..

One other thought...................
There are many 'effects' on the lighting options in the latest decoders.. None of these are turned on, I suppose?