Converting a 1990 DC Rivarossi 4-6-6-4 to DCC

[gdelmoro]

Hi all,

I'm looking to convert my DC Challenger to DCC.  The plan i to place the decoder and speaker in the tender. That means I need to run wires from the tender to the locomotive to connect to lights and motor.

This is the kit TCS recommends;

In order to connect the tender to the loco they recommend a 7 pin JST inline connector. I thought decoders are 21 or 9 pin?

Of course I'll need to drill holes for the speaker and connector.

Anyone do this? Does everything sound right?

 

[rrinker]

Decoders have many different connectors. But a 7 pin JST does not mean a DCC decoder. Neither does 9 pin JST. JST is not an NMRA term, or even related to decoders, other than it is a type of connector used on some. JST is just a type of inline connector and comes in all sorts of sizes, the number representing the number of contacts. A 7 pin JST connector is what is on many factory sound locos between the loco and electronics in the tender - that gives you wires for 2 rail pickups, 2 motor leads, 2 headlight wires, and a chuff cam or additional light.

 I'd look at the High Bass speakers sold by places like Streamlined Backshop before I'd use those plain round TCS speakers. MUCH better sound. 

                                      --Randy

                             

[garya]

gdelmoro

Hi all,

I'm looking to convert my DC Challenger to DCC.  The plan i to place the decoder and speaker in the tender. That means I need to run wires from the tender to the locomotive to connect to lights and motor.

This is the kit TCS recommends;

In order to connect the tender to the loco they recommend a 7 pin JST inline connector. I thought decoders are 21 or 9 pin?

Of course I'll need to drill holes for the speaker and connector.

Anyone do this? Does everything sound right?

 

 

 

If it's anything like the old Rivarossi Challenger and Big Boy, good luck getting in the tender.  

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/hrchlngr.htm

[gdelmoro]

Thanks for the replies, I’ll let you know what happens.  Probably wont do this one for a while, I have at least 5 more Atlas RS1, 3 and 3’s to convert first.