Home
What's New
Search Site
Lighting Products
Lighting Accessories
Lighting Effects Products
Pre-assembled Lighting
Lighting Kits
Little Sounds
Tubing
Photo-etched Products
Stamped Metal Products
Other Detail Stuff
Soldering Aids
Other Cool Tools
Tips 'n Tricks
Ordering & Delivery Info
Feedback
Feedback
Retailers/Distributors

Best viewed using:

 Internet Explorer

or

Mozilla Firefox

 

Connecting the alternating headlights with Opticom

 

 

The N8086 is designed to generate enhanced special lighting effects for 3  LEDs connected to output s (pins 3-6) when power is applied to the inputs (pins 1 &2).  The effect simulates alternating headlights for an emergency vehicle plus an Opticom (flashing strobe traffic avoidance light).

Installing the  N8086 module is very straightforward. Because the module has circuitry on both sides, care must be taken to be sure that the components or wires soldered will not make contact with any metal object which could cause a short circuit.

Any well regulated DC power source can be used to power this module providing the voltage is at least 6VDC and doesn't exceed 18VDC. Our N3512B and N3518 Power supplies are ideal for this use. Also, due to the very low power consumption, this device can also be powered by a battery, such as a standard 9-volt.

 

                                Figure 1

Important note: A low-wattage iron with a pointed tip should be used for connection of wires. Too much heat or solder can easily damage the wires, decoder or module and void the warranty.

Also, all connecting wires should be pre-tinned before soldering them to the module. This will make connection quick and easy and ensure excessive heat is not applied to the solder points.

 

Connecting LEDs

Included with the module are two 6” lengths of #32 insulated wire. If necessary, these can be used for power input wires. If used, we recommend the red wire be used for the + DC connection. It would be connected to solder point 1 as shown in Fig. 1. This wire could also connect through a switch to the + DC connection for remote control of the lighting effect. The other (black) wire should be connected to – DC and to solder point 2.

When connecting the LED, proper polarity must be observed. LEDs are “polarity sensitive” and will not function if connected backwards. The N8086 is configured to connect three (3) 20 ma LEDs with device voltages of 3.3-3.6 VDC. This covers all of Ngineering’s white, yellow-white and incandescent white LEDs, as well as most of the white and golden-white LEDs available. These LEDs will use the Simulator's on-board resistor for current protection and, will be connected in what is referred to as "common-anode" wiring. See Fig. 2 below.

The LED shown with connections between solder point  3 & 6 will be for the Opticom strobe. The other two LEDs are for vehicle headlights and are connected between 4 & 6, and 5 & 6.

  Once again, be sure to use a low-wattage soldering iron when connecting wires to the module.

LEDs are noted with "A" = Anode and "C" = Cathode

                                     Figure 2 

 

This completes connection of the N8086 module. It is recommended that a thorough re-inspection of all connections and module placement be performed prior to applying power. We hope you enjoy the added realism our module provides.

 

© 2025 Ngineering