1.5v bulb wiring with dcc decoders.

[dcs077]

i have tried in the past with little sucess to wire 1.5v athearn bulbs with my decoders. i used the recommended resistor values the decoder manufacturer states but the bulbs are still too bright and quickly blow. my dcc system outputs around 16v ac to the track and i need to know the right value. can anyone help as i want these bulbs to be a little dim so their life is extended

Dan

[dtinut]

16V - maybe you have it set too high (the DCC system)
- is there a lower setting on the unit?

Most tend to output 13-14 V.

I would add most resistance to the light setup. Start by adding a another 10 ohms, and keep adding them in, until you get the desired brightness.

[Ridgeline]

Give this resistor calculator a try: metku.net/index.html?sect=view&n=1&path=mods/ledcalc/index_eng

It's meant for LEDs, but can be easily used for bulbs also. I actually use a breadboard to figure out resistor values since you can swap them in and out while testing for the brightness you want.

[alcors1]

I use 360 ohm for all LED and 1.5 bulbs, never had a problem yet, all my locos have bulbs changed out by me. I use the 1000h bulbs to prolong life.