First the "YIKES"...I just got my first decoder, a TCS M1, as recommended by an On30 article and a buddy of mine (an N scale decoder in an On30 model you say? yeah I have questions too!) This is is a lot smaller than I figured it would be...so YIKES! Now the question. In the article I am following the author recommends using flux core solder...ok so far that is what I have always used. BUT he also recommends using just plain flux as well. My question: WHY?
The advantage of the "free range" flux (rosin, not acid!) is that you can get it where you want it before you melt the solder, so you can be a bit quicker. Using the flux, the rosin core solder becomes a bit unnecessary, but not harmful.
Your question is answered, I'll take the "Yikes". Scale reference on a decoder is the manufacturer's way of telling us the smallest engine that the decoder is sized to fit. Physical size that is. To determine whether the decoder will work in an actual application, the stall current needs to be known. M1 decoder will handle 1 amp continuous and up to two amps peak. As long as those your stall current is within those limits, size doesn't matter. Martin Myers
Thanks guys! Now I need to receive my new soldering station, get a few more things then screw up enough courage to try doing this...
You'll do fine John. It's only takes four wires to run the loco and two more each for the front and rear lights, if you have them. If you are splicing stripped ends of wire together, I find that taking a long single strand out of some spare stranded wire and wrapping it around the stripped ends to hold them in place works rather well. Don't forget to put your shrink tube on one of the wires before though. Best!
