Wobblinwheel Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 I have a recent-release Hornby A4 model "Golden Eagle". When installing a Sapphire decoder (big mistake, by the way) into the tender, I noticed it appeared to have provision for speaker and sound. I would guess ideally for the TTS system (?) I am very interested in trying out the TTS A4 kit, but am also interested in putting a "firebox flicker" in the cab. Can I do that with the TTS? I think I read that it has "lighting functions", but not sure what possible variations there are. Ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 No Firebox flicker support is inbuilt with TTS decoders. They do have an Aux function output which gives a permanent voltage when the appropriate function is enabled, but no CV flicker option to modify it. This does not stop you using a self contained flickering LED, connected to the on /off function, in the firebox though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamDavid Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 The TTS decoder can be used to operate lights, but the flickering function has to be a part of the firebox circuit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howbi Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 @Wobbly.........if you type 'flicker' into the search box you will find several recent answers........HB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobblinwheel Posted February 4, 2018 Author Share Posted February 4, 2018 Thanks for the replies! Since I have about a THOUSAND various LEDs, is there a "flicker gizmo" I can use on any LED? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howbi Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 That would need a circuit board with several components, no room for that........the ready made flickering LED is the answer (with a resistor).........HB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 People have used a yellow solid led in tandem with a red flicker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2e0dtoeric Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 Have a look at the flickering firebox led circuit mentioned a few times in the live steam thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobblinwheel Posted February 4, 2018 Author Share Posted February 4, 2018 Is the "flickering led" very bright? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 If it is, you can always dim it down by increasing the value of the current limiting resistor. Values between 3,000 and 6,000 ohms are typically required to dim a LED (normal one that is). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 Use a variable resistor to bench test for the right value for the effect you want then use the closest standard value In your loco build.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morairamike Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 If you want a cheap flicker device then mount a tea light flicker led in series with the one you put in the fire box, when the tea light operates the fire box one will flicker randomly. I used this method to make a oxycelalene effect in my engine shed. Tea lights are 3 for a £ in a pound land complete with batteries. Play around with resistors to give the brightness you want apply paint to the dome to dull it down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 Mike,Wobbly is a USA forum member. No guarantee that flickering tea lights are available there. Probably no £Land either, unless it is called 'OneBuckLand'. 😀 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobblinwheel Posted February 5, 2018 Author Share Posted February 5, 2018 Thanks for all the help, guys, but now I might have to "drop back ten and punt" (old football saying) on the whole TTS idea. After seeing some videos, and having some discussion about the "chuffs-per-revolution" on the TTS decoder, I don't know if I can get with the idea of only ONE chuff per driver revolution at slow speed. An A4 is supposed to have SIX, being a three cylinder engine. I might even settle for four! I don't think a steam locomotive could even operate with one chuff per revolution! I have to do better than that...! I guess the kit, being designated "A4", means it only has an A4 WHISTLE? The chuffs don't matter...? I honestly don't think programming a few extra chuffs would make it a bit more expensive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritInTexas Posted February 6, 2018 Share Posted February 6, 2018 Mike,Wobbly is a USA forum member. No guarantee that flickering tea lights are available there. Probably no £Land either, unless it is called 'OneBuckLand'. 😀No, it's call ed Dollar General but then there's the discount competion 99Cents Only Stores! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Going back to the OP installed a Sapphire (bad idea) in the tender I wonder why, as the Sapphire has the ability to apply lighting special effects including flicker, strobe, flash, etc, hence seems well suited to the task.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobblinwheel Posted February 9, 2018 Author Share Posted February 9, 2018 To me, the sapphire has too many features that are totally useless, and not enough "usable" ones, such as a function-controlled "shunting" mode, or a programmable "braking" function, as so many much cheaper decoders have. It does have really good motor control, but that's about it. The firebox flicker can be found on any $15.00 Digitrax decoder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted February 9, 2018 Share Posted February 9, 2018 From what I can see, the US decoder market is completely different from the UK one. For example, none of the UK RTR models I have come across have any 'Hall Effect' wheel inputs to synchronise chuffs. WW can prove me wrong on this, but I believe using 'Halls' is more common in the US. Flicker and smoke support also seems to be more common as standard in the US too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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