banburysaint Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 I am planning to control my layout lights (platforms/street) from my DCC handset. Does anyone have an recommendations for a DCC accessory decoder? Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadlyduck Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Why do you want to use a decoder,what kind of lights are you going to use David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
banburysaint Posted November 5, 2014 Author Share Posted November 5, 2014 Using dcc concepts lights. I would like to be able operate all features of the layout from my dcc contoller. Some times I operate from inside the layout operating well and others from the outside of the layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadlyduck Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 I dont think decoders are meant to be used in the way you suggest you are going to us them.Any 12v transformer would do it,you could away wire it to 2 switches Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
arff999 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 i have a nce system and us the nce switch it connected to there 2 relay unit to operate my layout lights you could also use a normal dcc decoder join the two light out puts together and fit I low ohm polarized relay to it this is how I used to do it john Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard brown Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Hi you have a few options but it is not cheap! so far I have used the train tech - lfx6. these are easy to use just 2 wired from the track and then a wire to each LED then 1 feed back programming is easy just press the button and put in the address on your controller and change the switch from open to close or the other way. these add up quickly in cost and they can work with computer control, you also have the digirail DR4018 I have not used it yet but it look easy to use but it need DCC in put and power input and you do need resisters with LEDs this work out much cheaper per output. their are others out their but I not sure what else their is. the best people for advise on this subject is DCC supplier. http://www.dccsupplies.com/ Richard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakydoke Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 Look at the LED001 from Tam Valley Depot, the makers of the Frog Juicers. Digitrains stock them at £15.65 each. http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommerce/accessory-decoders/led001-dcc-lighting-accessory-decoder.aspx Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peach james Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 OK, several options are available. Any of the slow motion drive accessory decoders will work. # of LED's is dependant on the output. (for instance, a DS44 is 20-40 mA/output, so up to 12 LED's could be run off a single output). Or, if you are going to run a large set of lights, you could use the output to drive a slow motion item to run switches for the layout lighting...just keep 110/220V WELL away from any layout wiring... Any engine decoders will work. Again, the amp limits would apply (typically 1A or more). Any snap type decoders can be made to work * (using relays, or electronic switching) Other options are available... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil S Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 The answer depends on 'how much' lighting you wish to control: For 'large' installations there are dedicated systems available from the likes of LDT - highly programmable to your needs and including effects like flourescent light flicker, or a space invader on the side of a tower block (as seen at Miniatur Wunderland 8-) ) ... although that size of installation is best regarded as 'independant' - it could still be linked through your DCC control by software or 'GPI' trigger on a chosen accessory. The reason for mentioning that large capability first, is to ensure the total current / power demand of your controlled lighting is considered! My layout - including lower-(storage} level) LED lighting (strips) has its own regulated 12Vdc bus from an energy-effiicent SMPS and takes upto 4 Amps in all. SOME Accessory Decoders use a separate Power Supply - so as not to load the dcc bus / require uneccessary boosters: This can be the ideal way of controlling lighting, via DCC CONTROL, but with External, appropriate, Power (ac OR dc). Eg: Bachmann/ESU SwitchPilot Accessory Decoder on Continuous Output, or with its Optional Add-On Relay Module [ DC output to accessories from SwitchPilot, even with an AC input]. SOME sections of my lighting ARE directly off my DCC busses: they act as a visual diagnostic that power is ON for THAT BUS ... eg Platform Lighting, A Street Light, Buffer Stops, etc. Particularly convenient on removable sections, to minimise wiring links! With LEDS, and series resistor, and protective diode [against accidental or ac reverse voltage] , the current for each is typically just 5mA nowadays (or 20mA per 50mm of 12V LED strip)- greater efficiency can be obtained with LEDS in series, but this might mean more complex local wiring arrangements - for minimal energy saving. Pre-made designs such as the Set of Flickering Station Gas Lamps mentioned may need a specific ac or dc supply - but in many cases, the 'ac'; statement is mentioned primarily as 'backwards compatibility' to the traditional use of '16Vac' accessory output, or even 3-rail ac as still used by some [ albeit most now digital stud-contact ac ] - including the implied peak voltage - but if LEDs, may be asuming half-wave rectification which compensates by halving power cinsumption. Another indirect control approach which might be worth considering: is the use of DMX-lighting control - used for stage and disco lighting, etc it might be more cost effective on larger plans, but otherwise using 'spare' outputs of steady-state accessory decoders adjacent ot the required lighting is probably easiest and cheapest in the long run. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
banburysaint Posted November 9, 2014 Author Share Posted November 9, 2014 Many thanks for the replies people. I will have a good think about all the options described, certainly has raised a few issues that I hadn't considered. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NERBOB Posted December 15, 2014 Share Posted December 15, 2014 My advice after 50 years in the business. Keep it simple! A power supply, Two wires, One switch and that's it! Make it complicated and it will be. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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