I have a Tsunami decoder ( no sound) that i got to use in one engine that will be consisted with a sound equipped engine. Its onethat is small and has the 8 pin on the back side. Question is.. can i use this one in different engines as i see fit since it's pretty easy to unplug and pop it into another loco or is that problematic. I have an NCE DCC system but i don't have any track work laid or engines running yet.. so just curious for the future.
Corey
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Sure. If both engines have the same plug, moving the decoder is easy.
It's not something you want to do frequently, though. Circuit boards are not meant to be handled, and that simple act of plugging and unplugging will put some stress on them. If you do it too often, eventually something will crack and the board will go bad, or you'll bend a pin on a plug. But if you're concerned about wanting to switch decoders a year or two for now, don't worry about it.
Remember that DCC allows you to "tune" the performance of your locomotive by setting CVs in the decoder. Mostly, the ones you'll play with are the start voltage and the acceleration and deceleration rates, but it would be a good idea to write down changes that you make and save them somewhere, so that you can easily re-program a new decoder to better match that engine if you upgrade.
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Corey.
It is possible to swap decoders between locos but, Every locomotive runs differently and some motor control CVs will need to be adjusted accordingly. Also addressing the decoder each time you swap locomotives. When I started into DCC, decoders were very expensive and large. Now a very good 2 function decoder with Back EMF can be purchased for under $20.
Pete
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I got yah and thanks for the response. I currently have 5 locomotives. 2 i have all the fixings to equip them with sound and i have the non sound eight pin DCC 4 function board. My intention is to use the little 4 function and move from locomotive to locomotive as i get them sound equipped.
I hear what you are saying though.. there fragile to a certain degree. Based on this i will be careful and to a minimum.
Thanks!