What is the easiest decoder to install in a MicroTrains SD -40 engine. Is it plug and play? What about the AZL GP30s? They say DCC ready but which decoder is best and is it as plug and play as the MT engines? Which decoders would you use for either or both? Thanks. Clancy!
don't have all the details (how-to's) but, ONLY the TCS decoder will fit in the SD-40 (the MTL GP's however ONLY use the Digitrax DZ123M0 <---that's a Zero). The AZL GP30 can only use the TCS Z2 as it has to be a narrow decoder. See the TCS web page for install info (and the just released Ztrack Magazine for the GP30 ! ) http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/C...llation_Pictures/Z_Scale/Z_Search/search.html Note: the GP30 does not have the same pinout as the GP7 on their page. I don't have access to it right now but others will as they read this. BUT, the wire routing/install part is the same. .
jeff, this is very helpful. based on what you sent it looks like the MT engines are easier to work with for someone new to DCC. Thanks. Clancy
Clancy, As a beginner in DCC myself, I can tell you converting the MTL GPs to DCC is about as easy as it gets. Its a simple PC board replacement, the decoder manufacturers have good online documentation and there are a good many people, like Jeff on the forums who can provide suggestions. The only suggestion I would have is to buy some extra motor contact springs (MTL #981 95 022). They're inexpensive and it seems that no matter how hard I try, I lose one or bend one during the conversion process. Mark
The trick on the springs are, besides a large towel under the loco: Sharp point, strong tweezers and, hold your finger over the top edge of the spring as you lift it UP. This way, if you lose the grip, the spring simply goes down, into the area that it already is. Still, good idea for spares .
Clancy, There has also been gossip that AZL is working on a drop-in decoder for their newer products. Mark
http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?138683-DCC-Decoders-and-MT-engines-AZL-engines The above link is to the installation instructions for the MZA4 from TCS in both the GP7, GP35 and SD40-2 from Micro Trains. only a small round jewelers file is required to reform the slot for a good fit to the drop in board. If you use the Digitax DZ123M0(M zero) I found you had to flip the board over to install in in the GP7 and GP35 and then reverse the engine direction in the final DCC setup. Both decoders work fine and I have installed both and have engines with both types. I just happen to have preference for the TCS board. dealing with springs on MTL loco Iuse a piece of thread and thread it through the spring when removing and installing them.I use a very small surgeons stitching needle which is curved to get thread through the spring. I use a short piece of phosper bronze trolley wire to unhook and reconnect the springs between board and motor tab. Ihave shaped it shaped into a very small version of a Sheppard's hook or crook end using a fine needle nose pair of pliers. I line the both sides of the spring slot with insulation tape available from TCS to prevent incidental shorting of spring to chassis when inserting chassis into shell. The spring can be replaced with a piece of hook up wire left over from another wired decoder install. Use a low wattage iron on the motor tab and circuit board (25 wwatt micro tip preferred, I usually install wire on MZA4 board before I install it in the chassis if I am replacing the spring. regards Garth
You do not have to flip the Digitrax board over ! That was only on the 1st run where the LED's were on the wrong side (large, orange T1 size). The 2nd run (from 2 years ago) has SMD (VERY tiny Surface Mount) on the correct side, so you do not have to flip the board over (which required several CV's to be changed). .
