I'm trying to avoid extra "stuff" because of space reasons, so I'm looking at putting two LEDs in series. If I have two white LEDs* that operate on about 4V at 20 mA connected in series, using a 1 kOhm resistor at 12V, what rating does the resistor need to have?
Can I subtract the required voltage of the LEDS like this?
12V - 4V -4V = 4V
4V / 1000 ohm=.004A
.004A * 12V=.048W
Do I need to keep it in like this?
12V / 1000 ohm=.012A
.012A * 12V=.144W
*
Puckdropper
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To all users of LokSound 5 DCC decoders.
?
I am an ESU decoder installer and I also do some programming.
With all the decoders that I have installed in the last year, I connect TVS diodes in order to
protect the decoder from network surges and fluctuations generated by the motor
(Thanks Roy Davis, Protecting decoders from track shorts, published in MRHMAG. COM, April
2022).
?
I systematically put into practice all the recommendations of ESU and Soundtraxx.
I take many precautions to ensure the integrity of each decoder; I always validate the
consumption of the motor using the Stall Motor test, I validate the installation of the
loudspeakers and the resistances for each AUX output for the LEDs, I protect the ends of all the
wires that are not connected before carrying out a download of a sound program (with the latest
LokProgrammer available) and I carry out tests with the Decoder Tester before connecting to the
locomotive.
?
This year I have experienced several failures with the LokSound 5 DCC decoder, the 8-pin model
NEM652 (58410 / 58420). Either the decoder burns out during initial programming, or on the
first try, or even gives up the ghost after only a few weeks of use! Each time, the heat-shrink
tubing melts opposite the AUX5 contact and it is no longer possible to read or reprogram the
decoder. In other words, it is dead!
?
My research on the web revealed that ESU has issues with microprocessor availability, similar to
that which are experiencing the global car manufacturers. Therefore, manufacturers must use
parts of various quality and which may cause problems.
?
Bottom line if you have issues with an ESU decoder the problem is probably with the ESU
decoder itself and not necessarily your connections. Keep your purchase receipts and feel free to
return the blown decoder to ESU USA for warranty replacement. Of course, the shipment to ESU
USA is at your expense and they don¡¯t want to officially acknowledge a problem... Imagine the potential number of returns this could mean... Does this remind you at all of a recent episode of a faulty electrical cable of battery with Toyota electric vehicles?!
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Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
To Steve's point: I agree to an extent about clutter. But, anybody trying to keep up with all the dedicated lists won't have any time for their railroad! Some will completely miss hearing about new products they would love!
I am only on a few lists, and except for the NMRA Magazine, don't get or read much other printed hobby media. Maybe there are too few like me for anyone to be concerned about, but I rely on the perhaps "off topic" posts on the lists I am on to hear about new products, such as the Blunami.?
And, it is something I'm interested in, as I have a simple G gauge around the walls of my HO train room with battery powered locos. I plan to install Blunamis and have all the great Soundtraxx features. But, first, I had to learn they existed from somewhere.
Don W
-- Don Weigt Connecticut
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Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sat, Sep 2, 2023 at 10:48 AM, Steve Haas <Goatfisher2@...> wrote: Allan asks:
"Question to you:? Do you like getting new product alerts like this one on this group?? Chime in.? I'll use #New Product to flag them.? I don't have to be the only one posting new products.? We can try this for a while and see if the group finds this beneficial."
I guess I'm gonna be the contrarian on this possibility.
The group name is "Wiring for DCC", not "Everything DCC".??
I've always viewed Allan's site and this group as the go to place for DCC layout wiring .... pretty much everything DCC from the booster on out to the rail - in general, DCC wiring, including power, signalling, control, etc.
Adding product announcements (and/or reviews) for every new DCC product under the Sun seems unnecessary;? limiting this proposed activity to items from the booster on out would seem more in the spirit of the original intent of Allan's site and this list.
Rest assured, the features of the new "Acme Fireworks" DCC system/decoders/etc will be well advertised, promoted, and discusssed on the "Acme Fireworks" Groups.io list.
Best regards,
Steve
Steve Haas
Snoqualmie, WA
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Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Allan asks:
"Question to you:? Do you like getting new product alerts like this one on this group?? Chime in.? I'll use #New Product to flag them.? I don't have to be the only one posting new products.? We can try this for a while and see if the group finds this beneficial."
I guess I'm gonna be the contrarian on this possibility.
The group name is "Wiring for DCC", not "Everything DCC".??
I've always viewed Allan's site and this group as the go to place for DCC layout wiring .... pretty much everything DCC from the booster on out to the rail - in general, DCC wiring, including power, signalling, control, etc.
Adding product announcements (and/or reviews) for every new DCC product under the Sun seems unnecessary;? limiting this proposed activity to items from the booster on out would seem more in the spirit of the original intent of Allan's site and this list.
Rest assured, the features of the new "Acme Fireworks" DCC system/decoders/etc will be well advertised, promoted, and discusssed on the "Acme Fireworks" Groups.io list.
Best regards,
Steve
Steve Haas
Snoqualmie, WA
|
Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
I like Wouter's suggestion, too. I'm just concerned product reviews might take up too much of your time, and conversely, that people will complain if you don't cover some product they think should have been included. Two ideas come to mind immediately: If it gets onerous for one person, ask for help; If someone wants more coverage, they should offer to help, and should expect to be asked to do so!
Don W
-- Don Weigt Connecticut
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Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Wouter, I like your idea.
Thanks everyone for your comments.? I'll wait several more days for more comments before really starting to do anything.
Allan
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Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Not sure on new product alerts, but leaning towards "no, thanks". A solution that would work for all is to have one new thread "NEW PRODUCT!" to cover them all, allowing anyone not interested to just mute the topic. Everybody happy.
Wouter
On Fri, 1 Sept 2023, 15:22 Keith Elrod, < elrodk73@...> wrote: Yes to new product alerts. Keep up the good work.
Keith
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Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Yes to new product alerts. Keep up the good work.
Keith
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Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Aargh!! And in my previous message that should be "Beta version", not "Beat version".
And when I mention having to grind something down in order to mount the board, I'm speaking of the 4 posts the original daughterboard was mounted on, not the solder tabs on the board. I realized that reads a bit ambiguously.
Rick Jones
Stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize you
haven't fallen asleep yet.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 8/31/2023 8:49 PM, Allan AE2V wrote: Thanks, Rick, that is all great info!
All Android users need to read Rick's info.
Allan
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rick Jones via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2023 5:33 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [w4dccqa] #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
I was at the Soundtraxx presentation last week at the NMRA Convention when they announced this. They had done the first production run and hand-delivered products to vendors at the National Train Show that had them on order. I was able to pick one up from Reindeer Pass at a $30 discount from the $162 MSRP.
They also said the Android release on the Google Play store is an unfinished Beat version. According to the rep, the programmer "accidentally" hit the "release" button as they were saving an update.
So be aware that there's still features yet to be added or fixed in that app.
I'm working on installing the board I bought in a BLI RSD-15.
Unfortunately it requires a little bit of surgery to the frame. It fits perfectly on the 4 screw posts that the internal daughterboard was on, but the front solder tabs for pickup and headlight connections interfere with putting the shell back on. I'll have to grind them down so I can shift it slightly backwards and use double-sided foam tape for mounting.
Rick Jones
Veni, vidi, velcro - I came, I saw, I stuck around.
On 8/31/2023 2:26 PM, Allan AE2V wrote:
All,
If you haven't heard, Soundtraxx came out with a new variant of the
Blunami.? It is an 8-function, drop-in intended mainly for HO diesels.
It is the BLU-PNP8.? I'm sure you can get creative and use it other
places and scales as well.
Also, Soundtraxx now has a Blunami app for Android users.
|
Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Thanks, Rick, that is all great info!
All Android users need to read Rick's info.
Allan
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Rick Jones via groups.io Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2023 5:33 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [w4dccqa] #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami I was at the Soundtraxx presentation last week at the NMRA Convention when they announced this. They had done the first production run and hand-delivered products to vendors at the National Train Show that had them on order. I was able to pick one up from Reindeer Pass at a $30 discount from the $162 MSRP. They also said the Android release on the Google Play store is an unfinished Beat version. According to the rep, the programmer "accidentally" hit the "release" button as they were saving an update. So be aware that there's still features yet to be added or fixed in that app. I'm working on installing the board I bought in a BLI RSD-15. Unfortunately it requires a little bit of surgery to the frame. It fits perfectly on the 4 screw posts that the internal daughterboard was on, but the front solder tabs for pickup and headlight connections interfere with putting the shell back on. I'll have to grind them down so I can shift it slightly backwards and use double-sided foam tape for mounting. Rick Jones Veni, vidi, velcro - I came, I saw, I stuck around. On 8/31/2023 2:26 PM, Allan AE2V wrote: All,
If you haven't heard, Soundtraxx came out with a new variant of the
Blunami.? It is an 8-function, drop-in intended mainly for HO diesels.
It is the BLU-PNP8.? I'm sure you can get creative and use it other
places and scales as well.
Also, Soundtraxx now has a Blunami app for Android users.
|
Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Allan.? For all of us newer DCC users I think it¡¯s a great idea!
Dave B
On Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 03:26:12 PM EDT, Allan AE2V <bigboy@...> wrote:
All,
If you haven't heard, Soundtraxx came out with a new variant of the Blunami.? It is an 8-function, drop-in intended mainly for HO diesels. It is the BLU-PNP8.? I'm sure you can get creative and use it other places and scales as well.
Also, Soundtraxx now has a Blunami app for Android users.
Question to you:? Do you like getting new product alerts like this one on this group?? Chime in.? I'll use #New Product to flag them.? I don't have to be the only one posting new products.? We can try this for a while and see if the group finds this beneficial.
Thanks
Allan Gartner
|
Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
I was at the Soundtraxx presentation last week at the NMRA Convention when they announced this. They had done the first production run and hand-delivered products to vendors at the National Train Show that had them on order. I was able to pick one up from Reindeer Pass at a $30 discount from the $162 MSRP.
They also said the Android release on the Google Play store is an unfinished Beat version. According to the rep, the programmer "accidentally" hit the "release" button as they were saving an update. So be aware that there's still features yet to be added or fixed in that app.
I'm working on installing the board I bought in a BLI RSD-15. Unfortunately it requires a little bit of surgery to the frame. It fits perfectly on the 4 screw posts that the internal daughterboard was on, but the front solder tabs for pickup and headlight connections interfere with putting the shell back on. I'll have to grind them down so I can shift it slightly backwards and use double-sided foam tape for mounting.
Rick Jones
Veni, vidi, velcro - I came, I saw, I stuck around.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 8/31/2023 2:26 PM, Allan AE2V wrote: All,
If you haven't heard, Soundtraxx came out with a new variant of the Blunami.? It is an 8-function, drop-in intended mainly for HO diesels. It is the BLU-PNP8.? I'm sure you can get creative and use it other places and scales as well.
Also, Soundtraxx now has a Blunami app for Android users.
|
Re: #New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
Yes to new products alerts. And perhaps a (brief) review if practicable.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 31, 2023, at 12:26 PM, Allan AE2V <bigboy@...> wrote:
?All,
If you haven't heard, Soundtraxx came out with a new variant of the Blunami.? It is an 8-function, drop-in intended mainly for HO diesels. It is the BLU-PNP8.? I'm sure you can get creative and use it other places and scales as well.
Also, Soundtraxx now has a Blunami app for Android users.
Question to you:? Do you like getting new product alerts like this one on this group?? Chime in.? I'll use #New Product to flag them.? I don't have to be the only one posting new products.? We can try this for a while and see if the group finds this beneficial.
Thanks
Allan Gartner
|
#New Product - Soundtraxx Blunami
#New
All,
If you haven't heard, Soundtraxx came out with a new variant of the Blunami.? It is an 8-function, drop-in intended mainly for HO diesels. It is the BLU-PNP8.? I'm sure you can get creative and use it other places and scales as well.
Also, Soundtraxx now has a Blunami app for Android users.
Question to you:? Do you like getting new product alerts like this one on this group?? Chime in.? I'll use #New Product to flag them.? I don't have to be the only one posting new products.? We can try this for a while and see if the group finds this beneficial.
Thanks
Allan Gartner
|
Re: DCC Capacitors/diodes
Lawrence,
Pickups of some sort from one rail wired to the unbanded end of the diode.
Pickups from the other rail to the negative end of the capacitor (the plain end, like the minus end of a flashlight battery) and negative ends of the LEDs (shorter leads? I forget...)
Resistor of about 47 Ohms 1/2 Watt from the diode's end with the black band (1N4148 or 1N4150 with a clear glass body)(silver band if using a "rectifier" diode with a black epoxy body) to the capacitor's plus (positive) lead.
Resistors of 1k (1,000) Ohms or more from the capacitor's plus lead to the positive terminals of each LED. Higher resistances for less current drain and dimmer lights.
All the parts could simply be soldered together. For more stability, assemble on perfboard, which has a grid of holes for component leads. Some perfboard has solder pads around each or most holes. Some has copper patterns connecting groups of pads, which can be helpful, or a nuisance, depending....
-- Don Weigt Connecticut
|
Re: DCC Capacitors/diodes
Lawrence,
??/g/w4dccqa/files/Interior%20DCC%20Lighting/Easy%20Interior%20Lighting%20with%20DCC%20power.pdf
|
Re: DCC Capacitors/diodes
I need a circuit dwg or explanation on how to connect the parts to the wheel pickups in the car.
What is the resistor value and voltage for the 100 microfarad cap.
Thx?
|
Re: DCC Capacitors/diodes
Yes - 50v and at least 1 amp ... fingers faster than brain ...
|
Re: DCC Capacitors/diodes
If you want small and cheap, you can't beat using one 1N4148 or 1N4150 instead of a bridge rectifier.?
Used with a cap of 100 microFarads (uF) or so, the same resistors can be used as with the bridge rectifier.
Of course, it will only give half wave rectification, but it's fine for unfiltered use on DCC, with less brightness unless the LED series resistance is decreased to about half, with flickering if rail contact isn't continuous.
Don W
-- Don Weigt Connecticut
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littlered
Keith Elrod
Rick Jones
Jim Betz