hello guys, i just installed a NCE SW9SR decoder in my new proto 2000 switcher. it runs fine, but i have not yet been able to get the head ligt to shine. i have wired it exactly like the directions say and even tried several different bulbs just to make sure it wasnt it. it will not come on at all and i have checked and re checked but im haveing no luck. im no pro at this decoder stuff and im sure im overlooking something, but im not sure what. is there something i have to do as far as programming or should it be set as default? any ideas are really appreciated. thanks!

-- steve (trainzman@verizon.net), November 07, 2004

Answers

To set headlights, you have to select the lighting effects from page 5 of the manual, see the manual at NCE web site at http://www.ncedcc.com/pdf/sw9-sr.pdf Choose the headlight effect that you want and enter the CV value into either CV 120 and CV 121. You can do this programming on the program track or on the main, depending on your DCC system.

Marcus

-- Marcus Ammann (mammann@optusnet.com.au), November 07, 2004.

thanks Marcus, also, will the headlight still burn if the shell isnt on the loco? thanks!

-- steve (trainzman@verizon.net), November 07, 2004.

Steve, I have not done one of these installations, just going of my experience. I'm not sure what you are asking. You can program decoder without headlamps being connected but you will not see response. What do you mean by "will they burn with the shell off"

Marcus

-- Marcus Ammann (mammann@optusnet.com.au), November 07, 2004.

hello again, Marcus, just wondering.... is there a way i can check to see if the head light output is actually putting out? i have a regular ohm meter but im not sure how to go about it. i have tried 3 different types and manufacturers of grain of wheat bulbs, but none will burn. the ones im useing now are Miniatronics 12V 50 mA, shouldnt these work in a Proto 2000 SW9? thanks for all the help!

steve

-- steve (trainzman@verizon.net), November 09, 2004.

Steve

Using the diagram on page 6 of the Instruction Manual, pay particular attention to notes about using 12 - 14 lamps for headlights. Wire to different positions on the board for the Rear lamp and you must insert a jumper at "X".

The "C" pad/terminal on the board should always have about 12 volts DC with respect to "earth" on the board. This earth may be hard to locate. Connect the negative lead of your multimeter, set to VOLTS on to the other terminal for the particular light you are checking, that is front or rear, and then with the loco on the track or connected to the DCC track wiring, operate the function key on controller/throttle to operate the headlights, don't forget to operate forward and reverse while doing this.

If still having problems and you cannot get a voltage reading, the decoder might be faulty. Email me OFFLINE with your phone number and I will ring you.

Marcus

-- Marcus Ammann (mammann@optusnet.com.au), November 09, 2004.