Tip description: What functions on DC work on this Loco.

Original thread https://www.gauge0guildarchive.com/xenforo/index.php?threads/little-loco-company-class-15-bth.2956/

Wheatley9094 - Jan 29, 2019 at 11:01 PM
I have just recently purchased the excellent LLC class 15 - a DC version. I would like to know what functions on straight DC work as I understand ALL the locos whether DC or DCC are fitted with sound units and speakers.
Upon receiving mine I powered it up on DC only - I was surprised to hear the engine sound, it runs beautifully and acts rather like a DCC operated model - is this correct on 12v DC? Also if somebody could put me straight on what functions work on DC (and subsequently the extra functions available on DCC) I'd be grateful. It seems mine has the engine sound and cab light operating - but no headcode lights but I think that’s correct when on 12v DC only.
The box has a label that says ZIMO on it - I assume this is just the DCC sound unit? Also included with the model seems to be a blanking plate with its pins pushed into the foam - surely wouldn’t there already be one in the loco as I didn’t buy the DCC version just the DC?

NormanClymer - Jan 30, 2019
The “sound unit” is a Zimo DCC decoder with speaker. So the loco is not “DC” but is DCC fitted. The lights and the basic engine sound should work OK on analogue DC but specific functions will not unless they have been set as ON for DC. For example the horn could be set ON but it would be rather annoying that every time the loco moved the horn would sound. You can alter the settings but would need to program the decoder using a DCC system to do so.

DavidAtkinson4172 - Jan 30, 2019
I believe that the Class 15 in DC format is just plain and simple only, with lights for front running and no rear lights. The standard fitted chip comes with models made after the Class 15.

Wheatley9094 - Jan 30, 2019
Many thanks for your answers - not being into DCC I wasn't sure but I'm better informed now. I understand that the 'blanking plate' in the box can be inserted if I were to take the Zimo unit out to convert it back to DC only - I would lose the sound but gain the headcode lights. The cab light certainly works but as I use DC only its brightness is in accordance to the level of power being applied - the headcode lights remain off when on DC, but as is detailed above by David if I revert to DC only will work in the direction of travel.
As the headcode lights will dim or be brighter in accordance with the power applied I might leave it as it is as the engine sound is quite captivating.

Paul Bartlett - Jan 30, 2019 at 6:10 PM
OK, confused, how did you get the sound to work on DC? Mine is silent.

NormanClymer - Jan 30, 2019
If the loco is fitted with a DCC sound chip then the sound is switched on and off with function 1 in DCC but can be set to be on in DC by programming the chip with a DCC system. If that is done the sound will be ON in DC but only above about 4 volts. Similarly with the lights, if the lights are programmed to be ON in DC they will work when run on DC.

Burgess23673 - Feb 24, 2019
My query is? can you activate the red tail lights mine don’t seem to come on at all.

Bootman15165 - Feb 24, 2019
Posted in response to a similar question in the Little Local Company Class 15 thread on RMWeb:

Posted October 19, 2018
On ‎18‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 23:02, teacupteacup said:
Just picked up a sound fitted chappie and by god its a cracker!!!! One thing though, how do you turn on the tail lights? Cant see anything in the DCC handbook

In the period in which Class 15s were operational, locomotives including diesels were required to display an oil lamp with a red lens for the tail light when Light Engine. The use of electric tail lights was forbidden, so the decision was made to produce the model without working tail lamps, in favour of having each of the four marker lights at each end, plus the cab light individually and independently controlled. (that's a requirement of 9 Function Outputs)

The original plan was to provide a separate lamp with the model for the tail lamp, but for some reason, it did not make it as far as the production examples.