Installation & connections
From the initial functional check to an insulated installation.
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Work area and power
The lighting boards are intended for installation in model railway coaches in dry indoor conditions. They are not toys for children under 14. Switch off power before connecting, soldering or mounting anything. Check the supply limits for your product; the Power LED 90302 has separate DC supply requirements.
Installation sequence
Allow time for a trial fit. A board that only fits when bent or pressed against components is not ready to install.
- Identify the article, connection drawing and supply.
- Test the unmodified board outside the coach.
- Check roof clearance, cut marks and wire routing.
- With power off, cut and solder; remove debris and check for solder bridges.
- Test again, adjust brightness and secure the board with insulation.
- Check for abnormal heating at the permitted supply before closing the roof.
Track power connects to IN
On the interior lighting boards covered here, connections labelled IN are for track power. Connect A and B to the two rail pickups, or to the coach return and centre pickup, as shown in the relevant drawing. One input is sufficient for an uncut board. LED, SSL, FX and capacitor connections are not interchangeable with track inputs.
Cutting and insulation
Cut only at the designated marks and avoid bending the board. For a metal roof, cover the entire rear face with suitable insulating tape as described in the DCC manual. Keep solder joints, wires and components clear of conductive coach surfaces. A cut-off section is not automatically a separately powered lighting unit.
Soldering and brightness
The original manuals specify a fine-tip electronics soldering iron rated 15–30 W and electronics solder with appropriate flux. Do not use acidic soldering paste or flux. Work promptly without prolonged heating of pads or capacitors. Do not force a potentiometer beyond its stops. Start with low brightness and adjust it under normal room lighting.