Jump to content
 

Class 170 DCC Lighting


Trains4U

Recommended Posts

I have a DCC guide on the old forum for fitting decoders and an express models lighting kit, however I've had a request to show how standard lights are wired up.

 

these pics are from a 3-car 170. the decoder installation isn't shown as this particular model is being stripped out for an express kit, but I will show you how to prepare the lights and wire it up.

 

 

To do this you will need, a pair of long nose pliers or small scissors, some tweezers, heatshrink tubing and a soldering iron.

 

 

Open up the model by removing the two screws on the chassis and lifting off the bodyshell.

 

Disconnect the plug between chassis and body.

 

this is the lighting circuit

 

post-40-12561474612137_thumb.jpg

 

There are three bulbs and a plug. cut off the plug, and cut the six wires where they exit the circuit board (Circled)

 

post-40-12561476458168_thumb.jpg

 

You will be left with six loose ends and a loose plug.

Pull these out with your tweezers so that the ends are clear of the bodyshell

 

post-40-12561476984731_thumb.jpg

 

The wiring of the decoder is different for each end.

 

The same applies whether the car is motorised or not.

 

Wire the red and black wires to the respective wires on the plug.

 

because bulbs are used, rather than LEDs there is no concern about polarity.

grab one wire from each bulb and solder the ends together - join these to the Blue wire of the decoder.

 

Identify the red lights. This is the lower of the two bulbs in the main housing (Furthest from the windscreen)

in the first carriage, wire the yellow lead to the free wire - in the second carriage, use the white wire.

 

join together the remaining two loose wires for the white lights. wire these up to the white wire in the first carriage and the yellow wire in the second carriage.

 

post-40-12561539863734_thumb.jpg

 

This image shows the wiring for the trailing carriage. Yellow and White are swapped for the leading carriage.

 

The directional lighting is now all wired in.

 

If using a TCS FL4, then use green and purple wires in place of white and yellow.

 

 

I hope this is helpful

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...
  • 1 year later...
  • 2 months later...
  • RMweb Premium

The only part of the article which I'm a bit lost over is the 3rd picture with the pug and lights all unattached - what do the red and black wires from the decoder connect to on the model? And what happens to the plug?

 

Red and black from the decoder are to the pickups/wheels.

 

Easy way to remember is this little rhyme that I picked up along the way. "Red and Black to the track - orange and grey the other way"

 

Cheers,

Mick

Link to post
Share on other sites

Good news! The motor worked but I have a problem with the lights - they work in the opposite direction to travel, am I right in thinking this can be solved with CV changes? I'm using Gaugemaster OPTI DCC 25 decoders if that helps.The problem is with both motor and dummy car.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Switching the orange and grey wires, as you have done, is the ideal solution. An alternative is to change the value of CV29 - if it is an even number, add 1, if it is an odd number to start with, subtract 1.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

I am just restarting my interest in model railways and have purchased a number of sets which were not DCC ready, amongst which was the Class 170 DMU. This guide was superb and enabled a relatively new and inexperienced amateur to chip the three cars successfully. Now ready to do the same to a second unit. Cannot thank you enough for the clear and invaluable guidance.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 years later...
  • 4 weeks later...

I just have one question regarding fitting the light fittings. What type of superglue would you recommend? To avoid frosting or anything when putting the light lenses back in.

 

Low Odour superglue.  ( Made by Deluxe Products)  Branded as Roket Odourless.

 

Charlie

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...