RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted July 1, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 1, 2020 Chaps, I am looking for a four-function, function-only decoder to fit into a coach to control the internal lights, and two independent tail lamps. Can anyone offer any suggestions? I was looking at a TCS FL4, but they appear out of stock everywhere - is it a case of that is the best one around so wait for it, or are there other options? Ideally the outputs will each have a firebox style flicker as they are representing oil lamps. Any help appreciated, I have always worked with motor decoders before! Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 It is often cheaper to just use a normal motor decoder and don't connect the motor outputs. It still works exactly the same, though if you want to read it back, you'll need a temporary load on the motor outputs to create the read-pulse. Nigel 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted July 2, 2020 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted July 2, 2020 Thanks Nigel, To be honest with looking at motor sound decoders, I never thought to consider the fact that a pure motor decoder would be cheaper than a function only! Having looked around it appears there are a couple of Digitrax examples around the £17/£18 mark that would be suitable, so thanks for the reply and pointing me in that direction. Rich Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 A dodge which often works is to fit a circa 60-80 ohm resistor over the motor contacts, then it can be programmed normally for ever. BUT, if you do that, I strongly recommend that you also set the speed curve to be near enough to zero, otherwise running that decoder on a throttle could heat up the resistor, and the heat won't be good for a plastic bodied vehicle ! - Nigel 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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