FWIW, the CC-Lite commons are connected directly to the frame ground. The issue with the lights is probably the part of the frame was not properly grounded. If you measure continuity from the frame power connection to the commons on the I/O connection side, you'll find the two commons are directly connected to the frame ground connection.
The correct feature code for the diesel with a strobe is usually 5, one would assume you are using RailSounds and not SignalSounds. Even with no sound board I always use 5, I've never used any of the signal sounds settings.
The blinking is done by the R4LC for strobe settings.
Yes, the 5V logic output can trigger one of the aforementioned boards if desired.
My BEEP conversion with the CC-Lite runs like a top at low speeds.
The reason the K-Line probably didn't is the same reason that the RMT RDC I tried with the CC-Lite didn't work, it has a motor type that doesn't work with any back-EMF cruise. Many of the K-Line products have the same motor style. If you slowly rotate the motor by hand and feel strong "detent" positions, that one will not run smoothly with cruise at low speeds.
