I just finished installing decoders in two older steam locomotives. Not that much fun but I will try to give you any help I can. What specific questions did you have? ncng
I've put decoders in some old brass locos, I use Soundtrax almost exclusively, I do have an 0-6-0 that I put a digitrax in the smokebox and a DSX and speaker in the tender. Ask your question shay7
my question is,more or less wiring diagrams.also in isolating the motor brushs.My two locos are mantua 2-8-0 camelback and the Mogul. The big book of dcc should be here today or tomarrow,will this answersome of this? Thanks for your input.By the way I did manage to get my new Atlas Master DCC up and working with the GP38 but layout is geared for steam. the 2Bachman shays and Proto 2000 Heritage 0-8-0,2-8-8-2 are dccready still need to find out decoders will work in these(they have dcc plugs i believe)
The wiring diagrams come with the decoders. First, do these locomotives have open frame motors? If they do you may want to remotor them with can motors that draw a lot less power. Whatever motor you decide to use, you need to determine the power draw of the locomotive at stall using an amp meter. This will determine what type decoder you will need. If the motor draws more than 1.5 amps (2 amps for Digitrax decoders) you will have to get a heavy duty decoder. If the motor is a heavy draw you might want to think about re-motoring again if you originally decided not to. Once you have your decoder you need to decide where to put it. If there is room in the locomotive itself that is the prefered location. If there isn't room you will have to use the tender. If you put the decoder in the tender you are going to have to run 5 wires (minimum) between the locomotive and tender. The red wire for right side power pickup, Orange and Gray wires to the motor, and White and Blue wires to the front headlight. The Black wire is connected to the frame/body of the tender. You also should think about replacing the headlight bulb with a bulb of known amperage and voltage. Whatever bulb you use you will need a resistor in series between the decoder and the bulb. The value of the resistor depends on the voltage and milliamperage the bulb draws. I hope this is enough information to get you started. If you need more help post again. ncng
