Miniature Simulator Modules

Smaller than any decoder at just .31" x .31" x .118" and utilizing the industry’s smallest microcontroller and associated voltage control circuitry, the total module consumes less than 500 µa (<1/2 ma). Typical peak operating current for these modules with LED(s) attached and running through full brightness curves range from 18-38 ma. This makes them ideally suited for operation when powered directly by a function output of any of today's HO, N or Z-scale DCC decoders. Designed specifically to provide truly realistic lighting effects for 20ma LEDs, these modules include input protection against reverse polarity. Input voltage range 6-18 volts DC, so they'll work with nearly every layout environment. On-board current limiting resistor. Extra input wires included.

Marslight Simulator

This module produces a highly realistic Mars effect which is very eye-catching. Output intensity varies from dim to full-bright through a triple-pulse timed to imitate side (reflective) shine as well as frontal shine of the rotating Mars pattern.

Beacon Simulator

This simulator provides a single repeating burst, increasing and decreasing in intensity to accurately represent roof beacons like those made by Prime and Federal used by most railroads. The module supports either yellow or red 20ma LEDs.

ADDS MORE REALISM TO DCC

Gyralight Simulator

This module generates a varying (bell curve like) intensity to accurately represent Gyralight motion, and is configured for white and yellow-white (3.2-3.6 volt) LEDs. The N8033A version of this module is configured specifically for red LEDs.

Ditchlight Simulator

Provides output for two LEDs, both on, then switches to alternating with realistic ramping of intensity when input is momentarily grounded (or activated by DCC function control). Re-grounding input returns LEDs to both on. Extra limiting resistors included.

Early-era Flasher Simulator

This simulator replicates the older-style signal and hazard warning flashers that used incandescent (filament) lamps to generate light. Typical flash rate of 3/4 second with a increasing and decreasing brightness curve to duplicate that of filament type lamps. Three outputs will each drive up to one pair (wired in  series) of red and/or yellow LEDs Outputs flash sequentially so the module could also drive a very short series of "chase" lights.

Early-era Alternating Flasher Simulator

This module reproduces alternating flashes (with increasing and decreasing brightness curves) as seen in the older incandescent lamp driven type crossbucks used at grade crossings. Will drive two pairs of series-wired red LEDs without additional external circuitry.

FRED (EOT) Simulator

The first use of a FRED, or Flashing Rear End Device, is attributed to Florida East Coast Railway in 1973. Soon thereafter other Class 1 Railroads began using them as an alternative to the much-more-costly caboose. By the 1980's their use was widespread. Our module produces a flash rate and duration that replicates the prototype and has a latching function that provides versatility for most applications. See Connecting in the More Info table for a detailed explanation. For those using a battery as a power source, try our N8040A super-low current version. If you use a typical 1.75-2.0 volt, 20ma LED, the whole circuit draws only 3ma!

Steam Locomotive Class(ification)

Light  Simulator

 

In typical applications, the forward-facing class lights on steam locomotives were used in three ways: For a scheduled train they would be dark, unless a second section was following, then they would be green. Trains running as extras were lighted white. This simulator allows all three conditions to be easily controlled using only one input. See Operating in the More Info table for a detailed explanation.

Rotating Beacon Simulator

This module is designed to reproduce a highly realistic simulation of a rotating beacon by sequencing 3 LEDs (sold separately) that are positioned to produce the effect. See LED Construction in the More Info table to the right for complete information. The timing of the rotational effect closely replicates that of typical rotating beacons used by such roads as SP, WP, BN, and currently BNSF. This module will support yellow or red 20ma LEDs.

Universal Strobe Simulator

This simulator will support strobe effects for a wide range of locomotives, emergency vehicles and traffic situations. The strobe pulse is a short 70ms burst occurring either once per second on all three outputs simultaneously, or when the simulator input is grounded, on two outputs together and one output separately, alternating at one-half second intervals .  See Examples of use in the More Info table to the right for complete information.

Flash Camera Simulator

To be a railfan (railway enthusiast) is to enjoy taking pictures of trains and railroad related scenes. Many modelers use scale people trackside to enhance their dioramas and layouts. This simulator will generate a flash camera effect when wired to a white LED. It produces 2 short burst pulses 2 seconds apart when the input is grounded, then delays 20 seconds before allowing the input to be retriggered. Input could be triggered by a passing train.

Copyright © 2006 Ngineering

Last modified: June 04, 2008

Super Flashers

Furnace / Forge / Sawdust Burner Simulator

This module generates a slow, random undulating brightness output for 2 series-wired LEDs that closely replicates the heat source glow seen in furnaces and wigwam (sawdust) burners. It can also be used to create a realistic firebox glow that would be seen in the cab of a steam locomotive or coming from a trackside steam skidder or donkey engine's boiler.

AUTOMATIC CURRENT PROTECTION!

At just 3/4" square, this product series includes a state-of-the-art current source which provides a constant 20 ma for LEDs connected to the module. This means any color 20 ma LED can be connected without the need for external current limiting resistors, multiple LEDs can be connected in series (requires a power source of sufficient voltage) and different colors of LEDs can be combined in the same series. All will operate at 20 ma.

For certain applications it may be desirable to have the LED (or series string) connected to operate at less than full brightness. For this purpose, solder pads are included on the back of the module for placement of resistors to adjust of current source output.

Input voltage range 6-16 VDC. Extra power wires included.

After approval and response to our quotation, add appropriate item(s) to the shopping cart, then enter the agreed-upon programming charge and add it to the shopping cart. Once we receive your order, we will begin processing.

Custom Lighting Effect Simulators

Do you need a special lighting effect that that no one produces or have a unique prototype requirement? We may be able to help. The N8051 will support 2 LED outputs, and the N8052 will support 3 LED outputs. For an additional programming charge (quoted separately), we will program the appropriate simulator to create your effect. Just email or call us with your requirements. We will review them, determine if they are within the capabilities of our simulator, and if so, respond with our quotation. Delivery can be within 2 weeks and our quote will be reasonable.

Alternating Flasher

This module creates an alternating flash between a pair (or pairs) of LEDs of approximately 3/4 of a second and 50% duty cycle. This is a typical sequence for standard modern-day grade crossings. This product supports "common anode" devices, see More Info for details.

Campfire / Fireplace Simulator

This simulator produces a random varying change in output intensity for 2 series-wired LEDs that realistically mimics the crackling fire in a fireplace or of a campfire. Perfect for a trackside hobo camp or pile of debris in a yard cleanup operation. If used with our Nano LEDs even the smallest scale scene can enjoy the added realism this effect produces. This effect can also be used to produce the firebox flicker of a steam locomotive.

Variable-rate Flasher

Produces a flash with a 50% duty cycle (equal on and off times). Rate of flash is adjustable from 30 flashes per second (33 ms) to one flash every 3 seconds. This adjustment is made by rotating the slotted center of a variable resistor (bottom right corner of flasher).

Variable-rate Alternating Flasher

This module creates an alternating flash between a pair (or pairs) of LEDs with a 50% duty cycle (equal on and off times). Rate of flash is adjustable from 30 flashes per second (33 ms) to one flash every 3 seconds. This adjustment is made by rotating the slotted center of a variable resistor (bottom right corner of flasher). This product supports "common anode" devices, see More Info for details.