cdog565 How do i convert my ho scale dc locomotives to dcc and about how much will it cost?
How do i convert my ho scale dc locomotives to dcc and about how much will it cost?
There are decoders that can be had for $12 each if you buy them in bulk. There are also top of the line ones that can run a locomotive over a foot long dead section of track in the $60 range.
For 90% of my older engines that I converted, I used the NCE D13 series decoders which you can get in 10 packs at $12ea decoder. These are basic 4-function (4 light function, forward & reverse headlights and a pair of ditchlights for example) good quality decoders, these can be had with plugs and without (for direct or hard wiring). Digtrax has an equivalent. I converted 5 years ago and have yet to have a decoder failure on any of the older engines.
As far as cwclark's comments on the cost of buying a system, you don't have to spend anywhere near $1500 for a "state-of-the-art" system. Cost depends on size of the layout, how many loco you're going to run simutaneously and whether they have sound or not. Most of the systems are upgradable as your needs change. Starter systems start at about $180 and are generally sufficient for a 4x8 layout. I have a medium sized layout (23x12) and have about $500 invested including a couple of extra throttles. A good place to start educating yourself is to read "DCC For Beginners" here: http://www.tonystrains.com/
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
As noted, most engines made in since maybe 2000 are going to have an eight or nine pin receptacle to plug a decoder in. Many earlier engines have green "light boards"; you can get decoders exactly the shape of the light board and just replace the light board with the decoder board.
I'd recommend TCS decoders if you go non-sound, their instructions are very clear and easy to understand.
I would google it and you find plenty of online tutorials and videos plus most Loco manufacturers have instructions on how to take the shell off and I know with Digitrax the decoder has basic instructions on how to install the decoder. Once you done a couple you can do it in your sleep.
Phoebe Vet Actually, he asked how to convert his locomotives, not his layout. The cost depends on several factors. If you can do it yourself and are happy without sound it can be as cheap as $15 or $20 each. If you want sound add $50 to $100 each to that. If you need to hire someone to do it, it is even more. If the Locomotives are fairly new, they may be equipped with DCC 8 pin jacks, in which case you just remove a dummy plug and plug in the decoder. Some have a replaceable circuit board, but some have to be wired and soldered.
Actually, he asked how to convert his locomotives, not his layout.
The cost depends on several factors. If you can do it yourself and are happy without sound it can be as cheap as $15 or $20 each. If you want sound add $50 to $100 each to that. If you need to hire someone to do it, it is even more.
If the Locomotives are fairly new, they may be equipped with DCC 8 pin jacks, in which case you just remove a dummy plug and plug in the decoder. Some have a replaceable circuit board, but some have to be wired and soldered.
Thank you so much for your insight. (this is why i rarely come here anymore.) Don't let anyone miss a beat!
He said locomotives, not layout.
Every locomotive must have a DCC decoder installed.
Most current offerings are either DCC-ready and will accept a drop-in decoder that connects to a standard plug or directly replaces the existing lighting circuit board. Other engines come with dual-mode DCC decoders installed that also detect and work fine on DC.
Older engines will require some more work to hardwire in a decoder. All power pickups from the trucks must go the the decoder and all power to the motor and headlights must come from the decoder. In many cases (especially older Athearn blue-box engines) the frame may be acting as part of the electrical circuit so the motor needs to be totally electrically isolated from the frame so it doesn't pick up track power directly and short out.
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Basically you just hook up the track leads for the DCC module as you would the DC power pack . That is what i did. I even left my block wiring in.
Your DCC system will need a two lead power supply that goes to the DCC module then, two leads that go to a programming track, and two other leads going to the layout track.
This is what i spent to convert to DCC: - power source about $35.00. Digitrax Super chief 8 amp DCC module $750. (they do come cheaper i just wanted the top of the line module) Circuit breaker - $35.00 15 decoders $25.00 - $30.00 @ I also needed a reverser unit for a wye - $30.00, and a couple of extra throttles $ 90.00 @ I spent about $1500.00 to convert my layout to DCC but you can do it cheaper if you don't want all the state of the art components..
To convert your locomotives to DCC it just depends. Some of the decoders plug right in, others come with a locomotive, and the worst case senerio is wiring an old BB Athearn locomotive. You will have to remove the motor from the frame and insulate it from the frame (I used electrical tape and silicone sealant. All the wiring for the decoder is basically the same. the red and black wire goes to the track /wheelset pickups. the orange and gray wire go to the motor, the white wire goes to the front headlights returning to the blue common on the decoder and the yellow wire goes to the rear headlights returning to the blue decoder common. chuck
Chris