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Installing a DCC decoder on a Bachmann Spectrum GE 70 Ton Switcher

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  • Member since
    June 2009
  • 33 posts
Installing a DCC decoder on a Bachmann Spectrum GE 70 Ton Switcher
Posted by jammin.madrid on Thursday, August 25, 2011 1:21 AM

I recently purchased a HO Bachmann Spectrum GE 70 Ton Switcher off of eBay.  The seller believed that it is built for DC and when I got it I looked at it the locos innards I believe she was right.  I have yet to test it on a DC but I wanted to go ahead and ask:  What decoder should I use?  I know the market is pretty hefty right now for decoders.  All I really want it to do is light up appropriately and if there is a way to include sound that would be a plus, even though it looks like the shell would not accommodate a speaker.  Also, if anyone is willing a general how to would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks for the help.

No I am not from Spain. I live in the good ol US of A.
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, August 25, 2011 7:47 AM

Go to the below link. Look near the end of the thread. This fellow did it using the NCE BachDSL decoder.

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/195707.aspx?PageIndex=2

My install is sound and more complicated.

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/164181/1811455.aspx#1811455

Is yours the single motor or two motor version?

You said yours is DC. Just put it on the track and use your DC power pack.

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.

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • 91 posts
Posted by cadman11 on Friday, August 26, 2011 8:26 PM

jammin.madrid

 

I have two of those locos one of which is DCC ready and a very simple install. I you use the small Digitrax DZ125 (1 amp) you will have no problem and space is not as issue with the small decoder. I do not think sound is an option as there is very little room for the decoder let alone a speaker.

 

Thom

 

Thom Owen
  • Member since
    May 2009
  • 91 posts
Posted by cadman11 on Friday, August 26, 2011 8:28 PM

Jammin.madrid

 

I do know if my first post recorded so..

I haved two of the Spectrum 44 ton locos and the Digitrax DZ125 (1 Amp) works great due to it's small size and will give you 3 functions, Motor, Ftont/Rear lights. I've puchased them for a little as $18 on EBAY.

Thom Owen
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, August 27, 2011 10:03 AM

cadman11

jammin.madrid

 

I have two of those locos one of which is DCC ready and a very simple install. I you use the small Digitrax DZ125 (1 amp) you will have no problem and space is not as issue with the small decoder. I do not think sound is an option as there is very little room for the decoder let alone a speaker.

 

Thom

 

You did not click on the links I provided before. I did the sound in a 70 ton, single motor.

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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