Hi!
I have a Spectrum 2-8-0 that is DCC ready but I have not as yet installed a decoder. It is apparently a simple "plug in" task, and should not be a problem.
Yesterday morning, I saw a new Spectrum 2-8-0 on Ebay that is factory equipped with a decoder. I put a "low-ball" bid on it just for fun. Then, I did some research and found that the factory installed decoder is not the best option. So, I forgot about the auction, figuring I wouldn't win it anyway.
Ha, last night I found I did win the auction, and paid for it and hopefully it will arrive soon.
My question is....... assuming I only want to keep one of the two locos, would I be better off keeping the new one with the factory decoder, or installing a 3rd party decoder in the one I currently have? And, if the second option is preferred, exactly which plug in decoder would be best?
Oh, at this point sound is not a factor, although it is certainly possible I would install it down the road.
Thank you,
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
For what it's worth, I've had my best luck removing the entire stock Bachmann circuit board, and hard wiring in a new Tsunami. It runs a lot better without the stock electronics.
I'm trying to model 1956, not live in it.
If you do not want sound, simply plug in a decoder that has good control like one suggested. I have used the low end decoder that comes in the Spectrum's. Not the best. A Micro-Tsunami medium steam is a good choice if you want sound. It is a little smaller than the Tsunami. The motor current is not over .5 amps and the Micro is good for .750 amps. I use the Micros's a lot. The speaker position/baffle may be an issue if you have done sound before.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Mobileman44,
I have a large fleet of Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0's and am very happy their DC performance once a learned a few simple things about tuning/modifing them.
If your DCC ready version is older, it has 12volt headlights, the DCC onboard version will have a newer circuit board and have LED headlights. that may control your descission as to which one to use.
Everyone I know running them on DCC has gotten the best results by removing the Bachmann circuit board and hard wiring a good decoder directly.
I give away the factory decoders I take out of mine for DC use and have a hard time finding takers.
The bachmann circuit board needs the capacitors removed for best DC performance and for some plug in decoders to work correctly, so again, better job is to remove it completely and install a good decoder.
Sheldon
If you can find a Soundtraxx LC280 decoder it is a plug and play sound decoder made for the 2-8-0 tenders. They sometimes come up on Ebay. I got one last year at a train show for $35. They also fit the some other Bachman tenders like my 4-8-2.
Why not keep both and change the cab number of one if they have the same number.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
There are two things being discussed here, the Bachmann stock motor decoder, and the Soundtraxx LC280 sound and motot decoder.
Both have a common problem - neither has a silent running or high frequency motor drive, which would burn up a coreless can motor (not a big deal, Bachmann doesn't use them in this loco) and more importantly can make the motor 'buzz' and be noisy. Bad enough when it's just a motor decoder, but distracting from the otherwise good sounds in the sound decoder.
The Bachmann motor decoder has additional issues with bare minimum CV support because it is a bottom of the line super economy Lenz decoder, which I don't think Lenz even sells anymore. It lacks support for many of the optional NMRA CVs for motor control and speed adjusting that you can find in most other decoders, including very nice NCE ones that sell for less than Bachmann charges for their decoders.
The new Bachmann locos with factory sound use a slightly modified Tsunami sound decoder, which does not have any of these issues and is a very good decoder both for sound and motor control.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
Thank you (and the others) for your input and clarification. What plug in, non-sound decoder would you recommend to replace the factory installed Lenz?
Thanks,
In the first response to your post davidmbedard answered. Go look.
A TCS decoder is a good choice. It has BEMF "cruise control" and comes with easy clear instructions for setting the CVs.
Rich,
I certainly "did look" at David's suggestion the first time. I have no issue with that whatsoever, for David has a history of good commentary and advice.
However, before I go out and spend the $$$$, I wanted to hear if there were any other recommendations, and was asking Randy (go back and check my post) what he recommended - for I also value his advice as well.
All that being said, what do YOU recommend?????
I only use the Micro-Tsunami sound decoder. I would check the specs on the suggested decoders at the manufactures sites. A 1 amp with BMEF and comes with a 8 pin plug should work fine. clip the capacitor/capacitors if there is more than one cap on the PC board.
{url]http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/introto_bemf_pid.htm[/url]
You can call Tony's or Litchfield Station who supply decoders with expert suggestions.
http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/
I usually buy from Litchfield but Tony's is good also. They will give you good suggestions.
Thank you! Also, your mentioning Litchfield Station reminded me about them. I have used them in the past but simply forgot their name.
Sounds like the MIcro Mark locos are going to be fine then as they seemed to be on the club(s) layout(s).
The Tsunamis are fine decoders and would work quite well (especally since that's what Bachmann uses for factory sound units). Make sure you listen to the sounds so you order the one with the whistle sound you want, Soundtraxx provides a different mix of whistles in each variation of chuffs (light, medium, heavy). You can select any of the included sounds to be the active one, but you cannot reprogram sounds - which is why I simply can;t use a Tsunami for a T-1 Northern. The closest whistle for an in-service freight unit is in the 'light' steam decoder and a big Northern is hardly a 'light' steamer.The Tsunami medium and heavy do not have anythign close as far as whistles go.