01-20-2015, 03:02 PM
I would like to make a remark about a simple LED installation in Athearn locomotives with the Athearn standard PCB:
The standard electronic has a fixed voltage suitable for Athearns 1.5 Volt bulbs. "Usually" is that not suitable for LEDs.
There is a simple solution if you are comfortable with not to bright lights.
1. Position a very bright LED behind the holes in the shell. I use LEDs with this specifications: LED Sunny White Rund 3 mm 4500 mcd 60 ° 20 mA 3.2 V
2. Apply a small amount of Micro Kristal Klear in the hole
3. Stick a fiber optic in the hole and cut it to length. Stick it deep enough through the Kristal Klear until is touches the LED and cut it flush fit
4. Cover the hole with the fiber optic with a small amount if Kristal Klear from the outside.
The direct contact of the fiber optic with the very bright 3.2 Volt LED operated with 1.5 Volt is good enough to result in a nice head light. You save the hassle of replacing the electronic. Pay attention to the polarity. It is printed on the PCB P (positive) / long wire on LED and N (negative) / short wire on LED.
The standard electronic has a fixed voltage suitable for Athearns 1.5 Volt bulbs. "Usually" is that not suitable for LEDs.
There is a simple solution if you are comfortable with not to bright lights.
1. Position a very bright LED behind the holes in the shell. I use LEDs with this specifications: LED Sunny White Rund 3 mm 4500 mcd 60 ° 20 mA 3.2 V
2. Apply a small amount of Micro Kristal Klear in the hole
3. Stick a fiber optic in the hole and cut it to length. Stick it deep enough through the Kristal Klear until is touches the LED and cut it flush fit
4. Cover the hole with the fiber optic with a small amount if Kristal Klear from the outside.
The direct contact of the fiber optic with the very bright 3.2 Volt LED operated with 1.5 Volt is good enough to result in a nice head light. You save the hassle of replacing the electronic. Pay attention to the polarity. It is printed on the PCB P (positive) / long wire on LED and N (negative) / short wire on LED.
Reinhard