Cab lighting tutorial: RGB flashers, strobes, undercab lighting, beacon

Here is an example of my LEDwiz RGB lighting setup.  There are obviously many ways to do this.  It only cover basic lighting topics, no noise makers like contactors, gears, knockers, shakers.  Cost of items below is probably in the $250 range
 
This covers hardware overview.  You will need to install and setup the DOF software: http://directoutput....o/DirectOutput/
 
Disclaimer:  This is for informational purposes only.  Use of this information is at your own risk
 
 
LEDwiz controller  (or equivalent Pinscape or PacLED64 setup): http://groovygamegea...products_id=239
 
Other options
PACLED64:  NOTE: Additional hardware is needed to power/control toys without damaging the PACLED64.  PACLED64 only supports 20 mA current draw without additional hardware
Zeb board setups: http://shop.zebsboards.com/
Pinscape:  http://os.mbed.com/u...r/wiki/Homepage
Sainsmart 8 channel USB relays can also be used for some items.  Note:  Sainsmart relay is too slow for controlling RGB flashers and undercab RGB strips
There is all the Teensy controller for Addressable LEDs.  This item is not covered here, but here is example and some info on it
http://www.vpforums....showtopic=36156
And many more...
 
 
 
 
The  LEDwiz outputs can support up to 500 mA current draw.  PacLED64 outputs only support up to 20 mA current draw.  Use relays, booster boards, RGB amplifiers or opto couplers for toys that exceed the current draw supported

 
RGB wire (or any wire) - http://www.ebay.com/...=item418bce67f4

 
12v power supply (I actually used a PC power supply which provides 12V and 5V): http://www.ebay.com/...p-/161285389741
 
 
Fuses:  Use 500 mAmp fast blow fuses to protect the LEDwiz outputs. I won't go into recommendations here.  Some people use them, some don't.
 
3AG Fuses: http://www.ebay.com/...U8AAOSwFL9Tssp5
3AG Fuse block to hold your fuses...  http://www.ebay.com/...1nC6Q1NbwiR_5EQ
 
 
RGB Flashers Setup
3w RGB led stars (Quantity 5) Here is a link to 10, in case one has a defect or you damage one.  http://www.ebay.com/...LoAAOSwzOxUXNaP

 
Clear flasher domes (Quantity 5): http://www.pinballli...=product&id=309

 
27ohm 5W Resistors for the RGB stars - 5 Green leds and 5 Blue leds. (Quantity 10)
http://www.ebay.com/...s0AAOxyRhBS0-W8
 
33 ohm 5 w Resistors for the RGB stars - 5 Red. (Quantity 5)
http://www.ebay.com/...s0AAOxyRhBS0-W8
 
 
 

 
Breadboard for the resistors: http://www.ebay.com/...sd=121933990324
 
Thermal adhesive (to glue the RGB stars to the aluminum heat sink: https://www.amazon.c...G/dp/B0087X725S
 
Thin aluminum strip to use as heatsink (~20" x 3/4" x 1/8") to glue the leds onto) - any hardware store
 

 
 
Example of RGB flasher bar setup:
 
 
 
 

RGB Undercab Lighting
 
5 meters of RGB 5050 led strip: https://www.amazon.c...e/dp/B013OQX3JG


12) RGB amplifier.  Ledwiz current draw should not exceed 500 mA.  If you plan to use an RGB strip length > 1m. you should use an RGB amp to protect the LEDwiz output.  http://www.ebay.com/...Y8AAOSw8gVYBITB

 
Optional: Several RGB strip connectors are available to help with cutting RGB strips and wiring them like this


 
 

White Strobe flashers
White emergency led lights (set of 2).  They usually come with a control box, you will cut that off and throw it away: http://www.ebay.com/...bhUWbdR&vxp=mtr

 
 
Light Up Buttons
Most of these seem to come with 5-6V bulbs.  You can replace the bulbs with 6V or 12V LEDs if desired
http://virtuapin.net...products_id=203



Beacon    
Note: This is a 4.5V led based beacon, it does not physically rotate, but it is low current draw so hooks up directly to LEDwiz.  It has 5 bars of 4 leds that light in sequence to simulate a rotating beacon
https://www.amazon.c...B007NO8PXA?th=1


5V power supply if you go with a 5V beacon.  If you have a spare PC power supply, this provides 12V and 5V
 
 
Wiring Diagram Examples
Some examples