Atlas C-420 CV Settings

[Mike Lehman]

I've been playing with my Atlas Gold C-420s today after installing a NCE decoder in a P1K RS-2 to get it operational in DCC. I managed to get the locos speed-matched and the Atlas locos make enough noise to make up for the silent RS-2.

I'm still trying to figure out the lighting on the C-420s. Lights are on in both leading and all trailing units. I can probably figure out the NCE in the RS-2 sandwiched in between, but the QSI decoders in the C-420s leaves leading lights on in both directions -- definitely not prototypical. Anyone have CV settings that will get me closest to Monon practice given what Atlas provided?

[Mike Lehman]

I did track down one of the mysteries. I didn't remember having the light issue when I last had these locos out, test running them right after they were purchased. However, I started mixing up sound and non-sound F units and recently changed the command station so that locos behind the lead loco can sound their horns  and bells when the lead unit doesn't have sound. So I think the lighting in my C420s is responding to that.

What I think I need to do is to set up lighting so that front headlight is only on in forward. That way when the rear unit is running backwards it's lights will ignore the command to light given consist-wide.

Perhaps this is something that QSI doesn't support, but the manual seems to indicate that it will. I'm just too dumb to figure it out

[Gene Remaly]

What is your operating system ?

[Mike Lehman]

Gene,
I'm using NCE. It's a little iffy with consists sometimes, so that may be part of the issue. On the other hand, I have zilch experience with programming QSI, so there's where most of my confusion is, I suspect. I thought if someone else has some lighting or other CVs optimized for the Atlas Monon units, it would be a baseline for what I'd like to do.

[Gene Remaly]

I use Digitrax with a DT 400 throttle. When I consist two locos such as C-420's, I run long hoods together. I use the right throttle to control the "top" or lead engine horn and bell. It controls the trail unit head lamp when I reverse.

I have a fleet of dummies I use When i need more than two units. RS=2's and F A&B.
I sometimes use a "B" unit between dummies so I can run two trains with one throttle.

I know all this doesn't help you. I know nothing about your system .  Sorry   

PS   how many first generation diesel photos have you seen with the head light off during the day      ---just pretend it is 1950