I was looking at a couple of videos online that supposedly show how to installl DCC decoders in both steam and diesel engines.I have never attempted to install adecoder in either type of set up.
I have 5 BLI engines with sound, but about another 25 engines, I would like to install sound in eventually, but only a couple at a time, or just put DCC without sound
The LHS charges $80 to $85 per unit plus any parts.
So that amounts to $2,000 or more.
Are there any how to videos on this site?
Thanks for any help.
I'm sure MR has some around.
Keep in mind that each is an install in a specific loco. There are no generic installs. The trick is to apply the basic principles to your model if it's not covered by the videos you've found.
Don't know if you've seen my friend Scoop's video's, but they're worth a look for both basic and advanced concepts. He has especially good narrowgauge coverage, but does a little of everything, including animation -- and is not afraid to show you exactly how he did it.
https://www.youtube.com/user/scoopmmr
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
You can search You Tube but many only show their loco running. A couple installs I found where not very good.
I Google for DCC installs and many times get a site with many pictures and text details. much better than any videos usually
Don't expect decoder companies to do this. too much expense and too many possibilies.
Many users post in various forums post what they did on non sound and sound installs.
Opening the loco and studying the layout, measuring, studying the decoder specs on line, possible speaker location. You should really do a lot of research if this is new to use. There is a tremendous amount of info at many sites. It is not a pain. It is called model railroading. Don't get stuck in one forum.
Very difficult for the use to set up a camera for clear shots.
I know SoundTraxx and TCS have install pages with installs done by users usually.
SoundTraxx has a decoder selector for BLI.
TCS has a bunch of installs for BLI, non sound.
TCS is coming out with a series of WOW diesel sound decoders.
Many like LokSound over SoundTraxx which has somewhat become old school. That will get some here.
By the way, Digitrax is probably the cheapest. Some can comment on comparisons.
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.
As Rich mentioned, TCS has many examples for decoder installation. They cover many brands and models. It's the first place I went when it was time to install a new decoder on a DC engine.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
i believe the TCS ones shown where, Plug and Play.
Google, bli decoder installations
I just did. There are a few PDF's.
I learned years ago to make Google my best friend.
Here's a DCS installation pictures site, which has lots of loco installs with pics and limited instructional text. For BLI there is just one but it's a BLI steamer with sound.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/HO_Search/search.html
I did my first conversion with a TCS motor only decoder on a Kato HO RS-2 with 8-pin plug, an easy way to get my feet wet. Next were two Tsunamis into DCC OnBoard consolidations, all work in the tender and room with minor mods (and removing the lightboard) for the decoder and a hi-bass speaker with enclosure. Next up for me is a LokSound into a DCC ready (8-pin plug) LifeLike P2K E6, which will require the lightboard again to be removed for room for a speaker.
I do recommend addressing in order of increasing complexity. I will avoid any locos where I have to address motor isolation, at least for now.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Thanks for the replies!
I am modelling the PRR in the late 40's to mid 50's.
The Yahoo group RPM Clinics - Rick Bell has, in their file section, lots of sound installs documented. All of various popular locos, so there is sure to be something there to help. Free to join. Discussion is only permitted on the current install - once each one is done, all the photos and text are compiled into a PDF file and placed in the files section.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker The Yahoo group RPM Clinics - Rick Bell has, in their file section, lots of sound installs documented. All of various popular locos, so there is sure to be something there to help. Free to join. Discussion is only permitted on the current install - once each one is done, all the photos and text are compiled into a PDF file and placed in the files section. --Randy
I use to belong to his group. Excellent advice there.
rich
Assuming that you can do some wiring and soldering it is not all that hard. Sometimes the hardest part is figuting out which decoder and which speaker will best fit. There are sites including Soundtraxx that help with this info. My suggestion is to try an easier one first.
I've only installed Digitrax non-sound decoders in several diesels and steamers. Digitrax decoders each come with a sketch of how to wire and install the decoder. It is very easy to do and not worth paying money to do. I will be installing a Tsunami sound decoder in a brass steamer soon and could tell you how that went, after I've done it. However, some understanding of how to solder is important, which is another easy skill to learn. Practice on some light gauge wire until you feel you've mastered the skill. It used to be that you really couldn't build a model railroad without doing some soldering. Maybe this is no longer true, today.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
HI fellas !
Okay I have been looking at some of these websites on installing DCC , and find them helpful. Thanks to those who mentioned them to me.
Now I have a question.
I have several different kinds and brands of steam locomoties, all HO scale.
I have 5 BLI's that are now working fine. with DCC and sound.
I have about an additional 25 locos I want to eventually install DCC and sound.
Some are DCC ready, some are not.
I do have an NCE DCC system on my layout.
I was just browsing Ebay and saw a 10-pack of NCE dual decoders for around 14 dollars each.So if I start with a DCC decoder then later add sound decoders, perhaps I can do this myself and keep my expenditures reasonable.
I also have been looking at the newer Bachmann DCC Berkshire "765" steamer with DCC and WOW
sound. Prices vary, but even though my layout is basically PRR , I live just s short distance from where the real full scale NKP 765 is housed in a large building for the winter.
So I am contemplating getting one.I checked out a couple videos on it and am impressed with its quality and detail.
Have any of you had any experiences with these Bachmann steamers yet and or what is your opinion on them?
TheK4Kid
No Bachmann loco comes with WowSound from TCS, Bachmann uses a cut down Tsunami. If you buy the non sound version you can put a TCS WOWSound decoder in it. Spectrum series Bachmann locos are a good quality product.
My mistake, it says SoundTraxx sound value package.
There was one on You Tube with Wow sound in it.
This is the one, it does sound great!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=M8RPAM5R7cY
And here is another video of the real NKP 765
It is very powerful, I know one of the guys who is on one of the crews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=GN_NYiN6NPU
And here is my favorite NKP 765 video!
A Coca-Cola commercial featuring the real 765
Also features a Lionel Berkshire, what's not to like!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h2mU6jVcv4w
Another thing that nobody seemed to mention is to find someone in your area that is knowledgable on installations and see if you can sit with them to "get the general idea" of installs. That would have helped me tons if I had that chance years ago. Now it is just old hat but I mostly install sound in older brass PRR locos.
Sam
Thanks Sam