So I have all these DC locos from Bachmann (On30) and really can't get any answers regarding DCC installation (even from Bachmann) other than "these were never meant for DCC so it is really hard to install..." OK, I am no genius when it comes to this...never did a DCC install but is there ANY hope for my engines? If not, I will sell all of them and start all over... Sorry for the rant, just frustrated.
I know what you mean i had alot of older engines. I am thinking of doing dcc in the near future so i have been selling my old ones and buying dcc ready engines to replace those. The only old engines i plan to convert is my military engines, because they are hard to come by but they will be a pain to convert.
I don't see why you should have any problems installing DCC in your locomotives. It should be no different than any other scale. If people can install DCC in N scale locomotives, I don't see why there should be any problem with On30. Head over to your local hobby shop (preferably one that sells DCC equipment) and ask them to recommend a decoder and a starter system. Just remember to isolate your motor from the chassis before you install the decoder. Installing a decoder is not that hard, give it a try. What have you got to lose? If you don't feel up to installing the decoders yourself, there are many hobby outlets that will install them for you for a small fee.
John; Installing DCC decoders is a simple matter, provided there's enough space in the shell. In On30 there should be room. Remove the shell and find a space. You may have to fabricate a standoff or platform of some kind to place the decoder on, but not always. For motor control you must solder the gray and orange wires to the motor contacts. You must also be sure that the motor contacts are isolated from the frame. I only have HO to go by, but I haven't seen any HO that uses a split frame design like N scale. Then again, my HO is all old. You also must solder the red lead to the right (forward direction) wheel/rail contacts and the black wire to the left wheel/rail contacts. Four wires and you have control of your motor under DCC. Then you can wire the front and back lights. Front light is white wire, back is yellow. The blue wire is common for the lights. If you are using LEDs pay attention to the notched side of the LED. Seven wires and you're running in DCC. All of this will be explained and diagrammed in the instructions accompanying any DCC decoder you buy.
I will attempt... to spare you of my opinion of the early Bachmann locomotives. I won't tell you... that you are probably better off rounding them up and shipping them off. To head for the hobby shop and purchase DCC ready locomotives. However, if you should listen to or decide to follow any of this advise, then you might miss out on a learning experience. First, you need to take your bachmann locomotives apart. Isolate the motor from the frame and then solder wire leads to the motor wipers. Drill out or machine a place for the wires to come up from the motor and out on top of the chassis. Not so bad so far right? Now it is time to cut off, drill and or remove a portion of the top of the metal chassis, to make room for the decoder. Sound is an option but out of the question, at this point in the learning curve. Unless you have one of those cool dummy units where you have room for a Tsunami sound machine. It might end up the sound machine will be the only thing that works. At least it will sound good. Grin! Now solder in all your wire leads to a female plug and prepare to add the decoder. Or purchase a decoder that has the parts needed and instructions. When the whole thing goes up in smoke you might want to purchase several books on the subject and do your own research. Atlas has published an excellent line of how to books and short stories. It's worth the price. I would insist you acquire it and read it but don't expect me to pay for it. Grin! I've shipped off or soon will ship off the last of my early Bachmann locomotives. I've had it with the lack of smooth running, constant engine burn outs and other wise less then good performance. However, I would suggest you look at the newer units which Bachmann has recently put out, that is DCC ready. I was pleasantly surprised by their performance. They aren't quite Kato, Atlas, Intermountain or Life Like but they are getting there. I hope this helps. Have fun! I hope!
Rick; he's in O scale. On30 is narrow gauge O that runs on HO track. I'd be surprised if he can't find room for an HO, or at least a high amperage N scale, decoder that will do the job. The images he posts are all early steam (narrow gauge, remember). He might be able to get a speaker in the loco itself. If not, certainly in the tender. Good point, he could socket the decoder. He has the room. I think Digitrax sells harnesses. Kalmbach has three titles. I have them all. I read them before I ever tried to install a decoder. I have little doubt that you can do this, John. Just take your time.
Points well made Lownen. How did I miss ON 30? Well that eliminates half of what I had to say. Yep, room for all kinds of fun. As a matter of fact I'm looking at the Decoder for S Scale and O Scale. Possibly removing the AC electric motors and switching over to DC motors. Today, we had an S scale locomotive die on line while pulling a passenger train. Not a lot of fun. Do take care and let me know how this all turns out.
Thanks guys, yes I will get the books for sure and I will refer back to this thread as well. One bit of visual help: I got an engine on e-bay that someone installed a decoder in. Maybe I can take it apart and use it as a reference guide for the others. I am also lobbying Bachmann to start putting DCC in their 2-6-0s because they are so popular (and the main engine type used by the Colorado and Southern). I have found a decoder that does control and sound that I think will work well. Speaker will go in the tender. Anyhow, I will let you know how it goes. I have something else on the workbench right now but DCC is next on the list...
I was just about to say, IIRC the 2-6-0 is the only Bachmann 0n30 loco that is not DCC ready/with plug-pads, or factory installed on board, when I saw that it was the 2-6-0 that you were refering to.
None of the Porters have it either. They also now have the choice between DC and DCC for Shays and the Climax...a choice that was not there when I got my Climax.
here is a link for installing a decoder with sound in the 2-6-0 Easy DCC and Sound for the On30 Bachmann Mogul
hey no problem now if i could find a way of doing the On30 porter without ripping it completely apart I could be very happy
Thanks for the link, now its in my favorites!! I have not been able to find a site where ANYONE who has put DCC in a Porter has been able to do so without taking the entire thing apart. My understanding is that this is the greatest challenge in the Bachmann line. Once I get the 2-6-0s done I have to face the Porters since I have several. I think my answer regarding no space will be to use a trailing piece of equipment like a tender. Not perfect but it might save some of the frustration...
Quick update: just ordered the first decoder for the moguls...TCS M1 is what was recommended so that is what I went with. Sound will have to be done with a separate decoder...more when I get the project underway.
