DCC installing

[nscaletrain54]

I have some n-scales 4-4-0 Jupiter engines and was hoping I could change them from DC to DCC? I can use any suggestion on how to do them will be helpful, or am I just have to stay with DC,if I only like my little engines

[rrinker]

 It CAN be done, friend of mine scratchbuilds N scale locos that small or smaller and gets decoders int hem. You need to look at the tiniest Z scale decoders. ANd you need to be comfortable working on such tiny things with a magnifying visor and a VERY fine point soldering iron. I consider myself to be pretty good at soldering, but when he shows me a new loco, I can't imagine how he got it all to fit in there, with tiny short pieces of wire connecting things.

 Here is one article I found: http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/decoding%20Engines/N440.htm

                 --Randy

[MisterBeasley]

Who made the models, and how old are they?  Decoder installation can be a simple plug-in, or a more difficult job that involves soldering and machining away material to make space for the decoder.  If you want a sound decoder, you will need space for a speaker, too.

Steam engines can be easier, as the tender may be used to house the decoder.

Do they run well on DC?  If not, they won't run well on DCC, either.

[rrinker]

 If someone can actually get a sound decoder in one of those AND have it still able to pull a reasonable train, they will be the king of DCC. The only way they pull anything so as it is is because the boiler is mostly weights.

                 --Randy

[Mark R.]

About the smallest decoder available today is the DCX76zF decoder made by CT Elektronik. They are just under 1/4" square and about 1/16" thick ....

http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommerce/search/ct-elektronik-dcx76zf-decoder.aspx

They ARE a European company, but if you do some searching, they are available on this side of the pond for around $40 each.

Mark.

[skagitrailbird]

If your 4-4-0 is a Bachmann this link may help: http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/decoding%20Engines/N440.htm

[hon30critter]

Bryan at Streamlined Backshop sells one of the smallest decoders available:

http://store.sbs4dcc.com/CTElektronikDCX76zD/FSub-MicroDCCDecoderNEM6516-PinWiredPlug.aspx

Same decoder as Mark mentioned in his post. Streamlined Backshop is $41.00 vs about $47.66 for the one from England (at current exchange rates).

I'd like to know who made the engines too. If they are Bachmann I have some experience adding power pick up to the driver wheels. That would improve DCC performance.

Dave

[hon30critter]

nscaletrain54:

I forgot to say Welcome to the forum! 

Dave

[nscaletrain54]

rrinker

 It CAN be done, friend of mine scratchbuilds N scale locos that small or smaller and gets decoders int hem. You need to look at the tiniest Z scale decoders. ANd you need to be comfortable working on such tiny things with a magnifying visor and a VERY fine point soldering iron. I consider myself to be pretty good at soldering, but when he shows me a new loco, I can't imagine how he got it all to fit in there, with tiny short pieces of wire connecting things.

 Here is one article I found: http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/decoding%20Engines/N440.htm

                 --Randy

 

rrinker

 It CAN be done, friend of mine scratchbuilds N scale locos that small or smaller and gets decoders int hem. You need to look at the tiniest Z scale decoders. ANd you need to be comfortable working on such tiny things with a magnifying visor and a VERY fine point soldering iron. I consider myself to be pretty good at soldering, but when he shows me a new loco, I can't imagine how he got it all to fit in there, with tiny short pieces of wire connecting things.

 Here is one article I found: http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/decoding%20Engines/N440.htm

                 --Randy

 

thanks randy I went to the site and it might help and you are right a Z decoder might do the job

[nscaletrain54]

Dave they are Bachmann and any help will be helpful