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Decoder choice to fit in Bachmann Spectrum

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  • Member since
    December 2010
  • 245 posts
Decoder choice to fit in Bachmann Spectrum
Posted by papasmurf on Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:02 AM

Have their GE 44 Ton and it has very little space to install one. Am leaning toward TCS, as I read they make small, low-cost units. Wanted to reduce 'heartburn' by wise first choice. NOT into sound or fancy 'bells & whistles'! Just want: BEMF and Silent Running; nothing else is necessary. Any advice really  appreciated. TTFN.....Old Tom aka papasmurf in NH

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Posted by rrinker on Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:26 AM

 TCS MC2. The instructions from Bachmann show which color wires get soldered to which holes on the edge of the circuit board. Clip off the capacitors too, so it will run better.

http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/GE_44_Ton/Bachman%20GE%2044%20Ton%20Diesel%20Switcher.htm

               --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by papasmurf on Thursday, February 17, 2011 3:11 PM

THANKS RANDY!  .....papasmurf

  • Member since
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  • From: Western, MA
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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, February 17, 2011 3:32 PM

I  have used a Digitrax DZ125 decoder in a Spectrum 44 ton HO loco. Very good BEMF.

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dz125.php

The 44 ton draws about 600ma and the decoder is good for 1 amp. Many small decoders with BEMF today are good for 1 amp.

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.

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Posted by Hamltnblue on Saturday, February 19, 2011 8:05 AM

rrinker

 TCS MC2. The instructions from Bachmann show which color wires get soldered to which holes on the edge of the circuit board. Clip off the capacitors too, so it will run better.

http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/GE_44_Ton/Bachman%20GE%2044%20Ton%20Diesel%20Switcher.htm

               --Randy

 

Also on the picture it looks like there is an edge connector that bridges a couple of the holes. That has to  be removed so that the track power is not directed to the motor.  Failure to remove may damage the decoder.

Springfield PA

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Posted by rrinker on Sunday, February 20, 2011 12:23 AM

 It's a little hard to solder the wires in the holes with those two copper strips in place - they kind of latch into the holes Big Smile

                 --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Sunday, February 20, 2011 9:51 AM

Some quick thinking individuals would drill a hole through the plate LOL Whistling

Springfield PA

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Posted by rrinker on Sunday, February 20, 2011 11:28 AM

 Experience talking? Laugh Smile, Wink & Grin

(need the smiley with the big giant LOL sign)

                --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Sunday, February 20, 2011 3:25 PM

Slip the wire into the hole and solder. Not a big deal. Just don't use a solder gun. Use a pencil soldering iron.

Some PC boards have a plastic clip you remove. Put the bare part of the wire into the hole and slip the plastic over the terminal with the wire in the hole.

This is suppose to be a way of installing decoders without soldering.

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.

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