installing a mars simulator inside Daylight GS4, anybody have experience?

I used one of these and installed it using the 6V lighting output from the PS/2 board.  Add a series 22 ohm resistor and a 10uf 35V capacitor across the light output to feed the power to the MARS simulator board, the PWM power from the headlight output doesn't work properly without filtering.  The LED output of the MARS simulator powers ONE LED, don't try to connect more to that output.

As far as the PS/2 headlight output, it will handle several hundred milliamps easily, so you can connect a number of LED's across it without a problem.  Personally, I probably wouldn't use the Evan's LED,s as you will probably get fairly dim operation.  I would just put the markers/class lights in series with a single resistor, that connects to the headlight output.

Note that the positive lead to the headlights is the PV (purple).

FWIW, the output of that MARS board is one of the best single LED simulations I've seen, it's quite realistic.

thanks john!  so you take the power feed from the light. add the resistor, then the capacitor before feeding the module? don't want to mix up the operation.

Yep, resistor first and then the cap across the power inputs to the MARS module.

great. 

-  what size have you used to insert into plastic surround? 1.8, or 3mm? 

-oh, would I use a DC (led)?  ( for mars)  I also forgot about the headlight and markers.  DC also?  I know when doing the passenger cars I used the circuit you suggested with the strips. works perfect.

- I thought of cutting down the long extension of the lens and CA glue in the led bulb.  (3rd photo) its pretty long. I could grind this down a bit. 

 thanks for your help john! 

Chris

what is the resistor wattage??????????????

I insert whatever size LED that will fit.  

I recommend against hacking up the headlight lens, I just slide the LED in and put a dab of hot glue on the end.  This holds it in place, but I can remove it if necessary.

LED's are all DC, you use a single LED for the MARS light, that's all the little board will drive.  For the headlight, another LED that will slide into the lens, secured the same way.  The class lights are selected based on what provision they have, I suspect they're probably 2mm LED's, but I'm not sure with that engine, have to see how they mount.  I either use the 2mm post LED's if possible, and the little ceramic 2mm LED's if the post ones won't work.

t610 posted:

what is the resistor wattage??????????????

1/4W will work fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris, the 22 ohm is the value of the resistance, 1/4W is the power rating.

I just realized what he was asking.  I'm glad you said 1/4 watt.  I figured that was the wattage.  Looks like a trip online to digikey is in my future.  !  

ok,  well unless the resisitor is shot, nothing worked when I tested on the engine.  I even flipped resistor thinking it was going the wrong way.  I removed the capacitor and resistor and it worked fine.  Ngineering said all you need is a DC source below 18v.  I removed the capacitor and just put in resistor and both ways, nothing.  straight wiring.... its good. 

I have the correct resistor.  maybe its bad.  do I really need it.  seems like it functions fine sitting there on the track. 

Suggestions?

thanks

Chris

The PWM output of the headlight drive could easily exceed the maximum voltage rating of the MARS module.  I'm at a loss why it doesn't work with the resistor and cap, and manages to work directly on the PWM output for the light circuit.  See the PS/2 board lighting waveform below, I'm very surprised that the module works on that voltage, and I can't imagine it working properly for long that way.  22 ohms should not affect the voltage much at all, it's just there to avoid surge loads on the PWM power when charging the filter cap.

The resistor they sent me says res. 22k. Ohm 1/4 watt  5%carbon film.  

Cap I got alum. 10uf 20% 35v radial

On cap. Is silver line the -side? 

On cap. Is silver line the -side? 

22K???????  I said 22 ohms!  There's only a thousand times less resistance using the correct resistor!  It won't do anything with a 22k resistor in there.

Yes, the silver line is negative, that's why it has a bunch of minus signs in the silver line.

I think the resistor value is way off 22k. I think I have the wrong one! Unless because I am using the evans led for ac/dc. They have built in rectifiers. Would that mess things up before the module?  

You can't use the Evan's LED's with the MARS module.  I think we already covered that earlier.

I ordered 22 ohms. But they sent 22k!  I thought it was a mistake print!  Haha.  Now I need to get online and order 22 ohm. Ones.  I figured...  dang!  No wonder.  

The led works though and it's pretty bright.  

Well, if the module croaks...

I pulled the bridge rectifier out, got the proper resistor and installed the capacitor.  it all works good now., liquid taped the exposed wires and then wrapped with tape also.  then ill glue to inside of shell.  tonights job!

So... how did it turn out? Will you give a final report, please? I am about to do this to a K-Line F-7 that is also getting a cruise commander.

He has a video in that link, looks fine.  The ngineering MARS simulator just needs a bare LED and some DC power and it'll give you a very good looking MARS light.