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Will removing the can-shaped capacitor destroy or silence a sound decoder?

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  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 28 posts
Will removing the can-shaped capacitor destroy or silence a sound decoder?
Posted by ksonkin on Saturday, September 1, 2012 7:39 PM

Sometimes, it's nearly impossible to replace the body shell of small diesels after installing a sound decoder and it's because of the can-shaped capacitor. Can I remove the capacitor and not lose sound? I haven't experimented because I'm not sure if I'd be able to re-solder the wires. So obviously, you're dealing with an electrical novice. Thanks for the help.

Karl Sonkin

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, September 1, 2012 10:34 PM

We need more info. SoundTraxx has sold a shrink wrapped decoder that uses a can type capacitor for the sound wire connection to the speaker.

The newer shrink wrapped and PC board type decoder use a can type capacitor for stay alive function which has nothing to do with sound.

I have those different type decoders. They come with diagrams and the decoder companies have diagrams if you take time to look around. I suspect you have the SoundTraxx decoders and the SoundTraxx site has almost all the diagrams.

Try to give more info in the future.

Loco brand, type, decoder part number, even a photo can help.

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
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Sunday, September 2, 2012 4:59 PM

Removing that capacitor may not cause you to totally lose the sound, but it will probably be seriously degraded and the least bit of dirt on track or wheels will cause the sound to be interrupted.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Eastern Shore Virginia
  • 3,290 posts
Posted by gandydancer19 on Sunday, September 2, 2012 6:37 PM

Oh sure.  They always put on extra parts that you don't need.  ----NOT----

Remove any electronic parts at your own risk.

Elmer.

The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.

(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.

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