The Marslight modules (N8031/A) produce 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 oscillating Mars pattern.

The N8031A version of this module is configured with an additional output for an optional headlight. This has an added benefit for analog (DC) operation. See Connecting for more information.

The N8031B Super-Marslight Simulator provides output for 3 LEDs to create the visual effect of an actual moving Marslight. Check out the video link above and let us know what you think.

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 N8032 supports either yellow or red 20ma LEDs. The N8032A is for white or blue LEDs.

Supports up to 200mA and 18VDC per output channel

ADDS MORE REALISM TO DCC

This module generates a varying (bell curve like) intensity to accurately represent Gyralight motion, and is configured for white, incandescent, or yellow-white LEDs. The N8033A version is configured specifically for red LEDs. The B version is configured for white, incandescent, or yellow-white LEDs and with an additional output for an optional headlight. This has an added benefit for analog (DC) operation. See Connecting for more information.

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.

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.

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. 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 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.

These modules are designed to reproduce a highly realistic simulation of rotating beacons by sequencing LEDs (sold separately) that are positioned to produce the effect. See the More Info table to the right for complete information. The N8042 is for a 3-LED assembly that replicates typical beacons used by such roads as SP, WP, BN, and BNSF. The N8042C is for a 4-LED assembly that simulates the "gumball" type of rotating beacon. Both modules will support yellow or red 20ma LEDs.

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.

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.

Furnace / Forge / Sawdust Burner Simulator

This module generates a slow, random undulating brightness output for either a single LED, or 2 series-wired yellow LEDs. The effect 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.

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 N8050 will support 1 LED output, the N8051, 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.

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 either a single LED, or 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 realism of this effect. This effect can also be used to produce the firebox flicker of a steam locomotive.

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).

Catenary Spark Simulator

We have all watched electric locomotives, traction vehicles or trolleys as they move along the rails and have seen the sparks created by the pickups (pantographs or spring-loaded poles) as they travel along the overhead (catenary) wires. This simulator is designed to reproduce those intermittent sparks of varying intensity for either two outputs (for dual pantograph applications) or a single output, for one pickup like many early-era trolleys had. The tiny size of our Nano white LEDs are perfect for this application.

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.

Arc & Gas Welding Simulators

Finally, welding simulation that looks just like the real thing! A bit of shameless back-patting, but we believe it is warranted. These simulators are configured for connection of two LEDs to accurately reproduce the varying intensity, intermittence and slight color changes just like real welders. Our Nano LEDs are perfect for reproducing these effects. N8064 is the arc welder and N8064B is the gas welder. See Connecting under More Info to the right, for product details.