I am looking to see what the recommended resources are for step by step tutorials on installing DCC decoders in HO Scale locomotives. Althought I have been involved in the hobby off and on for many years, I have not attempted my own DCC decoder installation before. I do have the equipment to solder, so all I need is some know how and encouragement.
For the record, the locomotives I am specifically wanting to install decoders into are a Proto 2000 E-unit, Athearn F7A, and a PMI FP45. The latter two are not the "plug-in ready" kind of locomotives, so I expect some soldering will be necessary. These are all older DC-only locomotives I have that I would like to upgrade.
to the forum!
I find that the TCS site is the most comprehensive ( https://tcsdcc.com/installations/ho-scale )
I believe the Proto is listed under the Life-Like list. Click on the loco name to access the tutorial.
Simon
Twinstar,
Welcome to the forum.
Your first posts are moderated, which means they will not appear immediately. That will clear up after you have posted several times.
While I can't help with your question, there are lots of talented modelers here who can answer questions and give you advice.
Good Luck!
York1 John
There are some articles in MR past that could be helpful. They would now be in the archive. The athearn and Porto are easy. They brass might be a bit more involved when it comes to isolation of electrical stuff.
shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
I like the TCS site, lots of info. I've also done a search on Google for installs on a specific locomotive, and usually find what I'm looking for.
Mike.
My You Tube
Larry Puckett has a gondola load of videos on various installations
Here is a thread on installation in an E6
Life will be easier if you settle on one decoder brand. All the online DCC shops sell bundles of appropriately color coded wire.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I've found the TCS site to be the best resource for decoder install tutorials - even if you don't install their decoders. I do so it's a good starting point for me.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Got a little time on your hands? This guy talks his way through a 2 hour 45 minute video on an Athearn F7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNqgboMK45Y
There are some things I do differently but for someone who hasn't done many DCC installs it may be worth your time. He has many other DCC sound installs that are worthwhile.
Good Luck, Ed
Yeh, intimidating ain't it. That was me last year. Isolating the motor is not that bad and I got into trouble on my first one when a wire broke off but even that was no problem. I did have to grind the frame a bit but not much as there ended up a small blob of soulder in the way of reseatng the motor. Now when it comes to sound, no proublem getting it to work but finding the right one and installing the speaker so that you get the best sound was a pain.
If it means doing things right, I'll watch the whole thing! Thank you!
My specific locomotive is one of the older Athearns that came in the blue box, but the motor on the one in the video appears similar.
gmpullman Got a little time on your hands? This guy talks his way through a 2 hour 45 minute video on an Athearn F7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNqgboMK45Y There are some things I do differently but for someone who hasn't done many DCC installs it may be worth your time. He has many other DCC sound installs that are worthwhile. Good Luck, Ed
I am definitely bookmarking this! Also, thank you for the welcome!
snjroy to the forum! I find that the TCS site is the most comprehensive ( https://tcsdcc.com/installations/ho-scale ) I believe the Proto is listed under the Life-Like list. Click on the loco name to access the tutorial. Simon
I wish I could say I have a brass locomotive, but the PMI FP45 is an older plastic model with what I have since learned is called a "pancake motor". I have found some info on installing decoders into pancake motors, but also a lot of comments across various forums warning it may be a waste of time.
NVSRR There are some articles in MR past that could be helpful. They would now be in the archive. The athearn and Porto are easy. They brass might be a bit more involved when it comes to isolation of electrical stuff. shane
I second the Larry Pucket videos. The decoder buddy boards are something I had not heard about. I was disconnected from the hobby for almost a decade.
My last install was a week ago. Older Bowser VO 1000. I put in a 11x16 sugar cube speaker, a Loksound micro next 18 decoder plugged in to a WVD mother board designed for a Kato N scale loco. Sometimes you have to think outside the box. The TCS site is amazing but remember that most show non sound installations. I strongly recommend replacing light bulbs with LEDs. The heat from a constantly lit bulb can melt a shell.
Pete
Is your Athearn F7A a blue box or Genesis? I'm not familiar with the Genesis but if it is a blue box, it will require some soldering and you have to be very careful to make sure your soldered connections are isolated from the metal frame because if they are not, you will fry the decoder in an instant. I speak with the voice of experience on this. Shrink wrapping is probably the best method of insulating the wire connections to keep them from contacting the metal frame.
Athearn blue box dcc install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIUyxt3UVqo
TwinStarRocketFor the record, the locomotives I am specifically wanting to install decoders into are a Proto 2000 E-unit,
Just released:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t9-1er1ELU