I recently installed an MRC Sounder 1665 (Sound Only) Steam decoder in a loco for my daughter. The installation instructions state only how to wire it. My question is more on physically mounting the decoder. It does not have any heat shrink around the decoder, so the componenets are exposed, and it seems to get warm. Could I tack it down with some bathtub caulk in the tender? Or do I need to kapton tape it to some styrene?
Gary
Gary,
Some decoder manufacturers don't have heat shrink around their decoders so that they can "breathe" properly. (I believe Lenz Gold/Silver decoders are that way and they explicitly state in their decoder manual NOT to cover the decoder with tape.)
For mounting purposes I've found that the double-sided foam tape (3M or similar) works really well. I use 3M in either the 3 x 3" sheets (for custom-cutting) or the 3 x 3" sheets with the individual 1/2 x 1/2" or 3/4 x 3/4" squares:
It holds the decoder well in place, insulates the bottom side from possible shorting, allows air space on the top side for cooling, and would be less messy than caulk adhesive. It can be found at your local hardware or office supply store.
Tom
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tstage Gary, Some decoder manufacturers don't have heat shrink around their decoders so that they can "breathe" properly. (I believe Lenz Gold/Silver decoders are that way and they explicitly state in their decoder manual NOT to cover the decoder with tape.) For mounting purposes I've found that the double-sided foam tape (3M or similar) works really well. I use 3M in either the 3 x 3" sheets (for custom-cutting) or the 3 x 3" sheets with the individual 1/2 x 1/2" or 3/4 x 3/4" squares: It holds the decoder well in place, insulates the bottom side from possible shorting, allows air space on the top side for cooling, and would be less messy than caulk adhesive. It can be found at your local hardware or office supply store. Tom
Thank you Tom.
Believe or not, that's how it's mounted now, only in the cab. I'll just stick it on some foam tape in the tender and call it good.
I do like caulk for holding down speakers and enclosures, and I have stuck some decoders in place with it, too.