We have been really busy here lately at SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models. In this edition, we will discuss Blackstone Models Shipments, Allison’s trip to Calgary, and for our Tech Tip using more then one type of lighting device on a single AT1000 decoder.
Blackstone Models News
The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity here. We have been shipping out the passenger cars and the second release of the drop-bottom gondolas to the dealers located throughout the world. Now this has settled down, our much anticipated C-19 locomotives have arrived and are going through the tedious task of inventory and inspection.
Allison Goes International (written by Allison)
Jarrette and I are going to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the SuperTrain show. I am finally going International! I’ve got my passport all ready to go and my bags packed. Our flights from Albuquerque to Calgary were flawless. I was so excited to fill out my “immigration” papers on the flight from Denver to Calgary.
It was the first time I got excited about a train, other than the Durango and Silverton, of course.
The SuperTrain show was a great experience. We were thrilled to be so well received and it seemed that everyone was very appreciative that we had made the trip. Jarrette and I were impressed to see all of the layouts and other exhibitors, as well as the volume of consumers who passed in and out of our booth over the weekend. We hope to make SuperTrain a regular stop on our annual tradeshow tour.
All in all, it was a great trip and experience. It was very spiritual for me to get to see the Canadian Rockies, as I love the mountains so much. I really hope to go back someday to either do some snowboarding or mountain biking!
Tech Tip:
Last Tech Tip, we was discussed that any type of lighting (LEDs, 12-14v bulbs and 1.5v bulbs) can be used with the Tsunami decoders. Some of the Tsunami drop-in decoders have outputs designed for a model’s specific type of lighting. For example, the TSU-GN1000 has 1.5v-regulated outputs designed for the Athearn Genesis models, which use 1.5v bulbs. The TSU-BW1000 and the TSU-KT1000 have 3.3v-regulated outputs for use Bowser/Stewart and Kato models with factory-installed LEDs without needing any additional resistors. The TSU-AT1000 is designed with all the above in mind. The AT1000 decoder is patterned after the light boards that came in Atlas models for years. But over time, the lighting device of choice has changed from 12v bulbs to LEDs. The TSU-AT1000 gives the ability to use either option. As an added bonus, there is a provision to use 1.5v bulbs without the need for additional resistors. Therefore, the AT1000 is considered by many to be the most versatile diesel decoder available. The diagram shown here
demonstrates how the many types of lighting can be used at the same time, or independently to meet the needs of your model. This diagram illustrates the use of two 1.5v bulbs for the headlamp, a 14v bulb for the backup lamp, an LED for the roof strobe light and a single 1.5v bulb for a cab interior, or any other light that may be desired.
The TSU-GN-1000 is not built for easy use with LEDs, but the TSU-BW-1000 and TSU-KT1000 can be used with 1.5v bulbs. To use 1.5v bulbs with these decoders, a small dropping resistor is needed to drop from the 3.3v for the LEDs to the 1.5v needed by the bulbs. Following Ohm’s law (V=IxR) for a single 1.5v 15ma bulb, 3.3-1.5=V (Voltage), which is 1.8volts. Then solve for R. 1.8=. 015 x R so R=120 or a 120 ohm resistor.
Mixing and matching of lighting types with the Tsunami decoders allows the use of any lighting device to create any lighting effect the modeler wants on their prized locomotive.
