UP big boy decoder install (cont).
Using my schematic I just connect all the wires and all's working.
Still takes awhile to make the 8 pin and 4 pin connectors but the schematic definitely reduces errors and speeds up the job as 'no thinking' is involved on the wires.
This engine has lights that has small bridge rectifiers on the LED's. I used to use these but switched to LED's that are 1) smaller and 2) only have a resistor.
I wasn't sure if I was going to have any problems with these old LED's with the decoder but all's working well with the old LED's.
Headlight and marker lights OK. As mentioned, previously, function keys can turn off each set of LED lights.
Tender lights and marker lights OK.
Cab light and fire box glow good.
Also, this engine was done before I started installing running board LED's so I installed the new LED's for the running board lights.
I had to remove two lead weights to gain access for the running board lights. Four holes were drilled in the boiler above the running gear and the new LED's were glued in place. As usual, 1/16" diameter heat shrink was put over the wires to protect them from the lead weights.
They light but not very bright so I'm guessing that I either 1) hooked up the wrong resistor or 2) too much 'juice' is being drawn by other LED's with the bridge rectifiers. I have the running lights drawing current from the decoder parallel to the other engine lights so it seems like that shouldn't be the problem.
I find it easiest to remove the resistor so I can route the wires through the boiler and then connect the resistor. Also, only one resistor is needed per color variation LED so it saves space in the boiler having only one resistor versus four for the running lights; ie same with marker lights.
