Bachmann's DCC decoder that comes with the GS-4

[Kaos]

Trying to get a mars light effect, does this decoder support that effect?

[WoundedBear]

The simple answer would be....no. The basic 2 function decoder handles headlights and direction....that's it.

Have a look at Lenz or Digitrax for a decoder with more features.

Sid

[Kaos]

My previous postcount was...0?  Weird.

And thanks Sid.  Though it can't be just a 2 function because it has a headlight dimmer switch on F1.

[honestabe58]

I HAVE A AM TRACK ENGINE THAT HAS MARS LIGHTS,WHEN I PUT A DECODER IN THE ENGINE, I BYPASSED THE MARS LIGHTS BY LEAVING THEM ON ALL THE TIME.

THIS WAY YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR DECODER.

DOWN SIDE TO THIS IS, WHEN YOUR NOT RUNNING YOUR ENGINE, YOUR MARS LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL YOU CUT POWER TO THE TRACK

                                  HOPE THIS WILL HELP YOU.
                             

                           HONESTABE58

[WoundedBear]

And thanks Sid.  Though it can't be just a 2 function because it has a headlight dimmer switch on F1.

Read the decoder manual.....

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/newez/1_Amp_Decoder_Instr.pdf

Even Bachmann calls it a 2 function. Dimming isn't a seperate function...it is done electronically through the light circuit and doesn't require a seperate wire. It is part of the light function already. The decoder just tells the light to drop voltage....similar in the way the decoder relays speed information.

Sid

[Kaos]

I HAVE A AM TRACK ENGINE THAT HAS MARS LIGHTS,WHEN I PUT A DECODER IN THE ENGINE, I BYPASSED THE MARS LIGHTS BY LEAVING THEM ON ALL THE TIME.

THIS WAY YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR DECODER.

DOWN SIDE TO THIS IS, WHEN YOUR NOT RUNNING YOUR ENGINE, YOUR MARS LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL YOU CUT POWER TO THE TRACK

                                  HOPE THIS WILL HELP YOU.
                             

                           HONESTABE58

I think you're thinking of ditch lights.  A Mars light is a cool effect of the headlight itself where it sort of flashes dim-brighter-dim-brightest-dim-brighter, etc.

[honestabe58]

no i have lights on my engine that flashes on and off. it has nothing to do with the head light, my head light ,i can make bright or dim it, the other lights stay on all the time.

[Guilford Guy]

There is a dimming function on many decoders, however, a Mars light is automatic, and you do not have to press function 4 over and over and over and over and...