Decoder in Atlas/Rivarossi 4-6-2

[pray59]

I posted a procedure to install a decoder in the Atlas/Rivarossi 4-6-2 made around 1969. If you are thinking about this project, take a looksee under the DCC pages.

------------------
Robert Ray
The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad (http://members.home.net/pray59)

[mtaylor]

I installed a Digitrax DN142 decoder in my 1977 Rivarossi 2-8-8-2. I had problems with the wires wanting to snap of the decoder. I even tried to add a little tape to take off some of the stress. I ended up resoldering the wires back on the decoder and taping it up. What a mess!! It works but is was no fun at all. Perhaps it was just my lack of experience.

Matt

[ChrisDante]

Not an unusual problem, mtaylor, my fix to that is to use microelectronics sockets.
I run the decoder wires into a female socket fairly close(enough room to get my soldering tools in play), then use the male plug and wires as cableing to the approiate points.

------------------
When in doubt, empty your magazine.

[mtaylor]

In most N scale applications I do not think that would work. In steam it might be possible to install a harness in the tender. However, I am not sure. I guess I will have to just keep praticing on my soldering skills http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

Matt

[ChrisDante]

I apoligize mtaylor, I don't think in N scale, I'm an HO and steam person.

------------------
When in doubt, empty your magazine.

[ChrisDante]

mtaylor, here's another thought, find a friend who has a resistance soldering station, practice with it a bit and use that. It works much better than a regular soldering iron... it is very pricey though, but worth every penny if you do a lot of soldering.

------------------
When in doubt, empty your magazine.

[mtaylor]

I have been thinking about getting a variable soldering station. Any suggestions?

[ChrisDante]

I reccomend Assembly Technologies International Inc. in Clawson, MI 800-550-2510 get their American Beauty model in 250watts. I think MicroLine sells them among others. Try Tony's Train Exchange @ ttx-dcc.com also.
Among other attachments it has a pair of tweezers, where each leg is one pole(electrically). If you want to solder a feeder to rail just grab the rail and feeder with the tweezers and hit the foot pedal. About 1.5 sec later stick the solder to it and you're done. No warm up time, and just keep the tweezers on the work until the solder has cooled and NO COLD solder joints http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif. It is the best tool I have ever purchased for any reason.

Like I said it is pricey around $300-$400 bucks, but worth every penny!

------------------
When in doubt, empty your magazine.

[pray59]

I haven't tried a resistance soldering system yet, but have been meaning to try one. I have several brass kits and a regular soldering iron works poorly for them.

I use a weller soldering station available at micro mark: http://www.dxmarket.com/micromark/products/81014.html
It works fine for most soldering jobs, and the heat is adjustable.

[mtaylor]

As always, thanks for all of the great advice. I will check these systems out. I like the idea of tweezers and a foot pedal. And like you said Chris, NO WARM UP TIME http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif very cool.

I will let you what I decide.

Matt