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Post by DAZed on Mar 17, 2024 8:55:19 GMT -5
Alex, so just to clarify, there are no additional/unused light functions available on this decoder. One would have to have some sort of separate circuit connected to the pickups.
Sorry for making that assumption.
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Post by scanrail on Mar 18, 2024 4:59:42 GMT -5
Yes, you are right. Let me clarify it: there are 3 separate light functions in this decoder: 2 for the front lights (1 upper LED + 1 lower LED) and 1 for rear lights.
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Post by DAZed on Mar 18, 2024 9:29:58 GMT -5
Yes, you are right. Let me clarify it: there are 3 separate light functions in this decoder: 2 for the front lights (1 upper LED + 1 lower LED) and 1 for rear lights. So when you say "lower LED" I assume that is for the ditchlights? There could be an opportunity to tap into that, since ditchlights and beacons/strobes were generally never the same era. (admittedly the era of RCL's has changed that over the past 20 years.) I think it would be a better idea to just hardwire the ZM05A which has more outputs. I don't have a dog in this hunt as my era in Z doesn't use beacons. (at least, nothing I'm modeling anyway) But in N-scale I model 1989 Burlington Northern, and BN *loved* their beacons. So I have sympathy for those modeling that era in Z. Having said that, I cannot wait for the SD40-2 decoders to hit stateside! Very excited to see how the keepalive works. |
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Post by zscalehobo on Mar 18, 2024 12:37:38 GMT -5
Yes, you are right. Let me clarify it: there are 3 separate light functions in this decoder: 2 for the front lights (1 upper LED + 1 lower LED) and 1 for rear lights. So when you say "lower LED" I assume that is for the ditchlights? There could be an opportunity to tap into that, since ditchlights and beacons/strobes were generally never the same era. (admittedly the era of RCL's has changed that over the past 20 years.) I think it would be a better idea to just hardwire the ZM05A which has more outputs. He has an upper and lower LED on the board. Comment on my product page on my site: "There are extended light features - the special dual LED configuration of the front lights can be adjusted by decoder settings to fit into different variations of SD40-2 locomotives - with upper headlights above the driver's cabin or without them."  |
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Post by rgs455 on Mar 18, 2024 13:24:39 GMT -5
Yes, you are right. Let me clarify it: there are 3 separate light functions in this decoder: 2 for the front lights (1 upper LED + 1 lower LED) and 1 for rear lights. So when you say "lower LED" I assume that is for the ditchlights? There could be an opportunity to tap into that, since ditchlights and beacons/strobes were generally never the same era. (admittedly the era of RCL's has changed that over the past 20 years.) I think it would be a better idea to just hardwire the ZM05A which has more outputs. I don't have a dog in this hunt as my era in Z doesn't use beacons. (at least, nothing I'm modeling anyway) But in N-scale I model 1989 Burlington Northern, and BN *loved* their beacons. So I have sympathy for those modeling that era in Z. Having said that, I cannot wait for the SD40-2 decoders to hit stateside! Very excited to see how the keepalive works. The decoder really brings out the best of the SD40-2's. As stated.. you could use them for switching duties or hump service because they run so smooth and slow. |
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Post by DAZed on Mar 18, 2024 14:07:32 GMT -5
He has an upper and lower LED on the board. Comment on my product page on my site: "There are extended light features - the special dual LED configuration of the front lights can be adjusted by decoder settings to fit into different variations of SD40-2 locomotives - with upper headlights above the driver's cabin or without them." Frank, thanks for the reply. I also was reading further back in this thread and found more info: azlforum.com/post/30640/threadSo the bottom provides light to nose headlight and ditchlights, the top provides light to cab "brow" mounted headlights, or headlights on the front of high-nose versions of the SD40-2. |
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Post by modelwarships on Mar 18, 2024 21:48:10 GMT -5
Wait, these are in-stock?! I must have missed a memo. Guess I'm blowing my budget big time this month. |
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Post by scanrail on Mar 18, 2024 22:08:46 GMT -5
They are about to arrive very soon. I will post an announcement here as soon as they become available from dealers.
Regards,
Alex
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Post by ednadolski on Mar 22, 2024 17:27:26 GMT -5
What are the steps to remove the shell on these locos? the instruction sheet says to pull the shell upwards, I am just wondering (hoping?) that it is a simpler process than the SW1500 shells.
Otherwise it looks pretty straightforward AFAICS.
TIA, Ed |
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Post by scanrail on Mar 22, 2024 19:53:46 GMT -5
SW1500 was rather an exception to the rule... All other AZL locomotives are disassembled much easier. And the step is indeed only one - hold the chassis with one hand and slowly pull the body upwards with another. You only have to do it carefully in order not to break small separate parts - handrails, hoods above side windows and so on. Central section with vent grilles in the center of SD40-2 body is a separately attached part, so be careful and don't tear it off accidentally.
Regards,
Alex
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Post by scanrail on Apr 2, 2024 6:58:09 GMT -5
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Post by Tiest van Gool on Apr 2, 2024 8:15:40 GMT -5
Alex,
Thank you! I just ordered 3 for SD40-2s to begin my DCC journey. Really looking forward to this foray and know where to find you if I am stuck.
As the phenomenal EMD SD70ACe’s and GE ES44AC’s prototypes are being released; any plan/timeline for digital decoders for these?
Thanks my friend; and Ukraine Strong!
-Tiest
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Post by scanrail on Apr 3, 2024 7:01:00 GMT -5
Hello Tiest,
Thank you very much, too! Although I can develop such a decoder, it is currently not planned to make an alternative to the product that already exists from multiple manufacturers - Digitrax and TCS. I stay focused on projects which did not exist in Z scale before.
Regards,
Alex
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Post by Tiest van Gool on Apr 3, 2024 8:18:09 GMT -5
Alex,
Makes sense. However I would love to see your high quality boards in these locos!!
These existing boards from what I read on the forum here seem to do the job but are outdated in terms of technology. Your boards seem like a logical upgrade given the improvements its delivers such as the capacitor for instance. It would seem like an untapped business opportunity in my book...
Interesting question for others on the forum. Let me create a separate thread and post this question.
Thanks!
-Tiest
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Post by BAZman on Apr 3, 2024 12:20:41 GMT -5
The wife and I will be with Alex for several days, end of the month and on to Altenbeken ‘meet’ 4-5 May. We frequently collaborate (both electronics engineer) for the love of trains. There have been some creative ideas over the years, its just how to implement and like AZL, volume vs. cost. First, we go to the OWL’s Nest for OPS session Friday: www.uszlines.de/2.htmlAltenbeken Saturday: f.z-freunde-international.de/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=21709You likely may need to register: www.z-freunde-international.de/Then back to the OWL’s Nest Sunday for another OPS session. |
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