Installing socket-less decoder into a socket?

[DGreen]

I did a search, but could not easily find a thread addressing this, although I know it exists.

I am a bit new to DCC, but have been studying it for a while (hey, how hard can it really be?) and have installed a Digitrax Empire Builder setup. No real problems so far, except when it came to putting a decoder in a favorite loco (Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy). The LHS did not have a plug in decoder (and without disassembling the loco, I did not know it had an 8 pin available), so they fixed me up with a Digitrax DZ125, bare wires floppin' in the breeze instead of a neat 8 pin plug in.

Using the Digitrax manuals, I was able to figure out wire colors from the decoder and pin numbers on the circuit board. Removing the dummy plug, I tinned the ends of the decoder wires and inserted, with a fairly firm fit, the ends into the corresponding socket. I get a light which responds to the function key, both rear and front work as they should, BUT, loco no go.

 Surely this can be done this way. I don't want to solder the connections, I may want to re-install the dummy plug someday. Is it possible I do not have tight enough connections for the higher current draw required for movement? I know the best thing to do is to order the right one, wait for it to arrive and then install it, but I hate to wait and I hate to admit defeat. Surely someone here can empathize? Anyway, I will entertain all takers.

 Thanks in advance.

[richg1998]

Quite a few sites carry the 8 pin NMRA plug. Here is one site I buy from. I am quite surprised your LHS does not carry this plug. I strongly suggest soldering the wires to the plug you will buy. Do it right the first time and you will be happier. Instant gratification is not alway gratifying. Make sure you get a digital voltmeter. You will need one if your pursue DCC or even DC.

http://litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php?cat=174

 
NMRA Medium 8-pin (NEM652) plug or socket (D) NEM652 These can be used as a plug or socket.

Rich 

[DGreen]

I think you just confirmed the way I should go. I would not say my LHS does not carry this plug, it is a combination of me not knowing what to ask for and the clerk not knowing the questions to ask. And, BTW, I LOVE my digital VOM, battle-scarred though she is.

I am finding out that the DCC system is very understandable, but d***ed if you can tell that from anything that is written about it. I think it stems from proprietary arrangements, patents, anything else that smells of 'make my fortune overnight'. It's the same old VHS/Beta, PC/Mac controversy. Something this great should not be such a stumbling block to prospective users.

Thank you for the words and even more for the supplier, I hope to use them a lot.

 Duke

[locoi1sa]

 There are decoders that have the 8 pin already installed. Check out TCS website for a note about the Bachman locos and removal of the capaciter on the Bachman board. Also some of the Bachmans are power hogs that could fry your DZ decoder. You would be safer with a 1.5 to 2 amp decoder.

    Pete
 

[DGreen]

Thanks for the advice. Sorry, but what is the TCS website?

[locoi1sa]

  Train Control Systems. This forum will not let me post links for some reason I have no problem with other forums.

   www.tcsdcc.com

       Pete
 

[DGreen]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will check them out. I don't mind a steep learning curve, actually sort of enjoy it, but only if progress is being made.

Thanks again.

[richg1998]

Ok on the LHS but they should have mentioned that you should have a plug.

Put your digital meter on DC amps and read the DC current while holding wheels still for just long enough to get a reading. I measure at six volts DC and then double the result. This has always proved quite accurate with my experiences. Get the appropiate decoder. I use the Micro-Tsunami, an excellant sound and motor control decoder. None of my steamers draw over 0.5 amp.

Below, the TSC site. 

http://www.tcsdcc.com/

The below site has free shipping over $50.00. Also, click on DCC University. 

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/lobby/index.htm

More good DCC info.

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm

Good luck.

Rich 

[richg1998]

  Train Control Systems. This forum will not let me post links for some reason I have no problem with other forums.

   www.tcsdcc.com

       Pete
 

This site does allow posting links if you follow their rules.

type a left bracket, type the letters url, type right bracket, paste the link, type left bracket, type forward slash, type the letters url, type right bracket, hit enter. No spaces. Go ahead and try it. You can always edit the post until you get it correct.This has worked for me.

Rich 

[locoi1sa]

 Hi Rich

 Mozila will not let me paste to this forum. I have tried but not with success. The way this firewall and mozillas securety is set up.

   Pete
 

[richg1998]

I use Mozilla Firefox 2.0 and I have no problems copying or pasting in these forums. I suspect Trains.com favors Windows IE. I use the keyboard keys to copy and paste, Ctrl C and Ctrl V. Right clicking with the mouse does not work using Mozilla.

I also open another browser window, highlight the URL and copy it using the mouse. I then use the keys to paste into the forum.

Rich 

[jackn2mpu]

I use Mozilla Firefox 2.0 and I have no problems copying or pasting in these forums. I suspect Trains.com favors Windows IE. I use the keyboard keys to copy and paste, Ctrl C and Ctrl V. Right clicking with the mouse does not work using Mozilla.

I also open another browser window, highlight the URL and copy it using the mouse. I then use the keys to paste into the forum.

Rich 

What I think he's trying to do is right-click the mouse and do the copy and paste that way. Just tried it on my Mac (am using Firefox 2 now instead of Safari) and had no succes that way. It does work using the copy and paste functions in the Edit pull-down menu. Can't speak to a PC though.

Yes - there are 2 button mice for the Mac. No - I'm not using the Mighty Mouse - hate that thing (I'd tried it for a couple of months). I am using a Logitech cordless mouse.