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Comp_LightFX.shtml
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Comp_LightFX.shtml
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<h1>DecoderPro® Comprehensive Programmer</h1>
<h2>Lighting and FX Functions Pane</h2>
<div align="right">
<p><a href="Comp_FMap.shtml">Previous |</a> <a href=
"Comp_Analog.shtml">Next</a></p>
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<hr>
<p>This pane provides for control of some of the most
"gee-whiz" functions on the decoder. While fine-tuning the
motor is important, and speed tables help add to the realism
of operation, everyone notices the lights - especially when
they change intensity, flicker, flash, or fade. They attract
even more attention when, for example, the ditch lights that
were steadily shining as the locomotive approached the
crossing suddenly begin flashing alternately, then return to
a steady glow; or when a locomotive pulls into a siding,
stops, and dims its headlight for the approaching train. All
these effects are possible with the right decoder and proper
set-up, and set-up is what DecoderPro is all about.</p>
<p>Every Manufacturer and decoder family handles the lighting
in a unique manner, so there are many versions of this
pane.</p>
<p>The specific effects available differ widely between
manufacturers, and even between different "families" of
decoders from the same maker. The above example is from a
Digitrax FX decoder. Some of the advanced features you will
see in many decoders (though they may go by different but
similar names)</p>
<p>The <b>Lamp keep-alive voltage</b> determines how dark a
light gets between "full on" moments. This can let you adjust
effects to give the impression of, for example, a marker
light that also has a rotary beacon in the same housing. Play
with this value and see what kind of results you get for your
specific decoder.</p>
<p><b>FX rate adjust</b> controls how fast an FX effect
operates. The higher the number, the slower the frequency of
flash or "rotation" of the effect. This can be used to set
subtle differences between locomotives. As you can see from
the panel above, there are twin alternating strobe lights on
the engines.If you vary the setting for the <b>FX Rate</b>
slightly, the locomotives flash at slightly different rates.
This keeps MU units from looking <u>too</u> coordinated!</p>
<p><b>Ditch light hold-over time</b> CV establishes how long
the ditch light effect (alternating flashing) stays activated
after you hit the <b>F2</b> function key. Since the <b>F2</b>
key is non-latching (think of it as a momentary contact
switch) that normally turns off when it is released. By
raising the value of this CV you can make them stay on for up
to 30 seconds from a single momentary activation.</p>
<p align="center"><img src="images/Comp_06A_Lights.png" alt=
"lights" height="800" width="923"></p>
<p>Sound decoders such as the Tsunami in our OEM FP-45 has an
extremely complicated Lighting progam pane.</p>
<p><img style="width: 902px; height: 608px;" alt="lights"
src="images/Comp_06B_Lights.png"><br></p>
<p>Note that some of the lighting functions can be tied to a
sound function which is unique to sound decoders. Sound
decoders have many more functions than normal motor control
decoders.</p>
<p>The other lighting effects are highly variable between
decoders. Check your specific decoder documentation for what
the decoder is supposed to be capable of doing, and have fun
playing with them. They are the most visually satisfying of
all the capabilities of the decoders!</p>
<p>Even if the function and effect are available, you may
have to add the lighting to your locomotive in order to be
able to use that function, such as adding ditch lights,
beacons, etc.</p>
<hr>
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<p><a href="Comp_Consist.shtml"></a><a href=
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