I'm new to DCC, so pardon the question if it's stupid, but...
When a manufacturer makes a drop-in decoder for a specific loco or locos, is it merely because the decoder is identical to the physical form factor of the stock DC light board? Or is there more to it?
This is why I'm asking the question: I'm an N scaler, and I have an Athearn N scale F59PHI. No one makes a drop-in decoder for this loco, most of the DCC'ed versions use a universal wired-in decoder.
I have a spare unused Digitrax DCC decoder intended for a Kato F3. Though the decoder does not exactly match the Athearn F59PHI's form factor, it's about the same general length and it can fit inside the receptacle for the Athearn light board with some modification to the frame.
There are motor leads coming out of the frame, which is plastic in surface when the shell is removed. If I solder wires from the motor leads to the appropriate contacts of the Digitrax decoder, will it operate the loco? Or is the Digitrax decoder's electronics only relevant to the type of motor used in the intended Kato locomotive?
if it can fit without messing up the board than go for it. just make sure the motor is isolated and hook both motor wires to the motor. and follow the instructions for the right wire to go to its right place. you can mix and match decoders. ive even put a n-scale decoder in a ho loco, works fine.
later
g
FB page of my layout *new*
https://www.facebook.com/ghglines
.
thread to my layout
http://www.warcrc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10505
pics
http://s237.photobucket.com/user/rockcrawling/library/#/user/rockcrawling/library/ho%20scale%20trains?sort=3&page=1&_suid=1388183416990004180295067414064
Metro,
I would also place a piece of Kapton or electrical tape on the bottom side of the decoder so that it doesn't inadvertently short against the chassis.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
There are three basic types of mobile decoders. Standard decoders that have motor and light functions, sound only decoders, and sound & power decoders (these have motor, lights, and sound.).
Any of these decoders can be used in any locomotive. When choosing a decoder, you have to take into account if it will fit in the locomotive, how it connects electrically, and if the sound is correct for the locomotive. Electrically, for motor and light functions, all DCC decoders are identical.
TCS has a real good line of N scale decoders, and they are my favorites for N scale.
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.