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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 6:53:46 GMT -8
does anyone know of a way to replace the light bulbs with led lighting in genesis locomotives. i cant seem to get a direct answer anywhere
or is it even possible? is it just a matter of pulling out the lightbulbs and replacing them with led lights?
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Post by middledivision on Sept 30, 2024 7:36:03 GMT -8
You need to change the board to the 21 pin version, which is resisted for led's.
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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 10:55:28 GMT -8
Is there not a more economical way to do it without changing the board?
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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 10:57:07 GMT -8
Is there not a way to do it without changing the board?
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Post by ssw on Sept 30, 2024 11:05:55 GMT -8
You'd have to put the proper value resistor on each LED. Last time I did an LED conversion on an Athearn, it was so much easier to just replace the motherboard, then I didn't have to find a place to stuff a ton of resistors., but then i was doing an SP unit with a full light package at each end.
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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 11:30:51 GMT -8
Quite an expense to replace the board on 11 locomotives. Isn't there as leds with built in resistors?
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Post by cera2254 on Sept 30, 2024 11:38:30 GMT -8
You’d still have to create some sort of constant lighting circuit to make them function acceptably, might as well just use a drop in setup that doesn’t require any engineering. You’re wanting to run them DC only I’m guessing?
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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 12:09:26 GMT -8
Yes dc only.
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Post by wjstix on Sept 30, 2024 12:13:39 GMT -8
Evans Designs make several sizes of warm white LEDs that come with the resistors etc. already in place, just need to hook up two wires to any power source up to 16V AC or DC. Very easy! Available direct or from Walthers.
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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 12:18:00 GMT -8
Sounds good, probably my best option.
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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 12:18:12 GMT -8
Sounds good, probably my best option.
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Post by NS4122 on Sept 30, 2024 13:13:43 GMT -8
In order to use the Evans Designs LED's you need to have a source of 5 to 12 volts on the board. Most Genesis models pre LED used 1.5 volt bulbs and had no source for 12 volts on the board which you would need for the Evans LEDs. Also without 12 volts you also can't use resistors either. Sounds good, probably my best option. |
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Post by mlwlover on Sept 30, 2024 14:28:00 GMT -8
Sounds like I am stuck with the incandescent then. Unless I change the boards.
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Post by nebrzephyr on Sept 30, 2024 16:06:40 GMT -8
Checkout Nitztrains Decoder Buddy. Available for $11-$12. Probably cheaper if you buy in quanty.
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Post by mvlandsw on Sept 30, 2024 16:42:48 GMT -8
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Post by nsc39d8 on Sept 30, 2024 17:42:39 GMT -8
If you are only running DC then you should be able power the LED's about the same as the incandescent. Now does each loco have a different style board and do you have DCC installed in them for use other than your
DC layout where you run them. Pictures would be nice of the boards if they are different.
You are still going to have to add resistors for the LEDS on DC.
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Post by NS4122 on Sept 30, 2024 18:09:42 GMT -8
The original poster is running DC and just wants LED lights. To my knowledge, the Decoder Buddy does not work without a decoder. The best option to me would be to replace the original Genesis board with an Athearn Genesis motherboard for LEDs part number ATHG67140. The board comes with a 21 pin shorting plug for DC and costs 22.99 direct from Athearn on their website in the Parts section. If want to switch entirely to dcc and sound though, the Decoder Buddy would be the way to go. Checkout Nixtrains Decoder Buddy. Available for $11-$12. Probably cheaper if you buy in quanty. |
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Post by NS4122 on Sept 30, 2024 18:18:25 GMT -8
How do 3 volt LEDs work on 1.5 volts which is all that is available on pre LED Genesis boards? If you are only running DC then you should be able power the LED's about the same as the incandescent. Now does each loco have a different style board and do you have DCC installed in them for use other than your DC layout where you run them. Pictures would be nice of the boards if they are different. You are still going to have to add resistors for the LEDS on DC. |
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Post by nsc39d8 on Sept 30, 2024 19:51:39 GMT -8
As someone mentioned earlier you can take power from the track pickup and do not need a constant lighting circuit. Testing which pickup side you need with the LED wired to what would be the DCC function output.
Also depending on which Athearn board is in these locos there could be a 12 volt hole in the board as well. Athearn has one with the 8 and 9 pin DCC connections that has two holes under the 9 pin one of which can provide 12 volts.
When you start going to 12 volts I would recommend LEDs from Evan Designs in their 7 - 19 volt range. This would allow you to add a resistor to dim the LED if it is to bright
I have done this on several older Athearn and Atlas models.
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