Athearn and Bachman, DCC Compatable?

[Anonymous]

I am just geting ready to switch over to DCC, most of my engines are Athearn, and Bachman. Are Bachman Spectrum, and Athearn engines able to be converted to DCC? Or will I have to update my fleet.

[Pennsy58]

Athearn engines are very easily converted to DCC. Digitrax offers a decoder that is already pre-wired to replace the plates that mount under and over the motor. But even a basic wired decoder is easily soldered to the engine without any problems. You do have to isolate the bottom of the motor from the frame. A piece of electrical tape works for me. Some Spectrum engines are DCC ready and merely require the plug in decodes. Other spectrum engine will require some wiring and soldering to convert. Of the ones I have done, I didnt find it to be too hard. However, I havent attempted converting my steam engines from spectrum yet. They may be a bit tricky.

[Anonymous]

Where can you get wiring diagrams for decoders ? Do they show different makes of engines or do decoders just come with them?

[Pennsy58]

I have found alot of info on wiring the engines and decoder selection at www.loystoy.com and the www.wiringfordcc.com site. For example, here is one page that shows very well how to hook up an Athearn engine. Altohugh it is listed as specific to the PA1 unit, its the same proceedure for all Athearn standard engnies. http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ath_pa1.htm All decoders come with an installation guide, but I have found them lacking at times for the engine I am dealing with.

[Pennsy58]

Just remembered. The book "DCC made Easy" has a step by step guide to converting an Athearn engine. Pictures included that I first used to guide me through an Athearn conversion. Has alot of ueful basic info on wiring etc. too.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info!!!