Decoder Installation

  The complete national and international model railway layout design and construction service.

Model Railway Manufacturers | Model Railway Layouts | Train Sets | Train Layouts | Model Railway Builders | Model Railway Designers

 

DCC DECODER INSTALLATION

Considerations

When selecting a DCC locomotive decoder the following should be taken into consideration:

bulletLocomotive stall current - this is the maximum current drawn by the locomotive when the motor is stopped at the normal running speed. This is tested with a multi-meter in series when a locomotive is running under normal DC control.
bulletFunctions - Functions are additions to the normal running of the locomotive, for example directional lighting (normally F0).
bulletExamine the locomotive internally for the space available to locate a decoder - consider the decoder size and the wiring. Once the current rating and functions have been determined look at the space available to locate the decoder, or see if the locomotive is DCC ready. DCC ready is a term used to describe locomotives fitted with a socket to allow the decoder to be easily fitted by simply removing the factory installed plug (this makes the locomotive work under DC use) and inserting a decoder with a corresponding plug attached. Locomotives without the DCC socket need to be hard wired - the decoder has to be installed by soldering the decoder wires to the correct place on the locomotive.

Installation - Non DCC ready

Once the decoder has been selected it is important to clarify how the power from the track gets to the motor under normal DC use. The decoder can only be located in the locomotive once the motor is completely isolated from the pick ups. Damage may be done to the decoder if a circuit is still present from the track to the motor with the decoder in place. Always insulate solder joins with heat shrink tape to prevent any contact with the decoder wires and the chassis/wheels. Wiring is simple, the black and the red wires are the pick ups from the track; the orange and grey wires are the connection to the motor. The remaining wires are function wires with the blue common. See decoder manufacturers decoder instructions for more information.

The image above shows a hard wired locomotive with the decoder wires attached as follows - on this side of the chassis the two motor brush spring covers can be seen - silver colour. These are solder contact points for the motor wires and the orange and grey wire can be seen attached. The red wire connects to the chassis pick ups via an existing wire with the solder join covered in black heat shrink tube. The black wire is attached to the chassis as the locomotive has a live chassis that has been insulated from the motor. 

Installation - DCC ready

Generally the hardest job when fitting a decoder into a DCC ready locomotive is removing the locomotive body. Once you are inside simply pull out the DC plug noting the location of pin1 and insert the decoder plug. Most locomotives have pin 1 notation but do not put the body back on until you have tested the locomotive runs the correct way. If not turn the decoder around and re-test.

 

What if I don't feel I can fit my own locomotive decoder?

We offer a OO gauge locomotive decoder installation service for both DCC ready and hard wired locomotives. We will install your customer supplied decoders or fit decoders of our own choice. If you require more information please contact below.

 

 

Information Request Form

Please complete the form below with your request for information on DCC layout design.

Name
Address
E-mail
Phone
Request

 

 

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to enquiries@pls-layouts.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 Professional Layout Services