I thought all the DD40AX already had the cheapo DCC decoder installed already.
You might want to check your box and re-read it.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
We have to assume you bought this new.
Last I knew, they come DCC on board or DCC with sound,
They do have a PC board with eight pin socket for the DCC onboard decoder.
If you are sure there is no decoder, get a quality decoder. The Bachmann decoders are low end Lenz the last I knew.
Others here can recommend a good decoder for this loco.
I just looked at the Bachmann site.
Below is a link to the site with an HO forum, parts page, diagram page, DCC list, company reps in the forums.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/board,2.0.html
If you are new to DCC, proceed cautiously as there are Gotchas if you buy or move to rapidly. There are many variables in DCC and DCC with sound which is another issue.
Just a Google search for bachmann ho dd40ax dcc will bring up all kinds of information. with links you can store and study.
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.
To make this a little easier for those who don't look, below is the PC board witrh no decoder.
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=8464
With decoder.
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=5612
Bachmann does not sell sound decoders for their locos.
Here is a link for Plug and Play install. No sound. TCS has very good decoders from all the reviews I have seen.
Ok, I use Plug and Play loosely. Watch out for the wires.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/EMD_DD40AX/EMD_DD40AX.html
What scale?
Yes, they made this in HO and N. And if it's the older HO one, they are most definitely not DCC Ready.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
DOH, I should have asked the same question, though Bachmann sells it in N scale with DCC onboard which leads to the next question. Are you sure it does not have a decoder? How old is it?
I am wondering if it is from a private sale and someone removed the decoder. This can be easily done in HO and put the DC adapter in place. No idea about the N scale version.
They sold the N scale one years ago as well, no DCC in that one either. So we need to know both the scale and if it is the new run, or one of the older ones. A look inside would leave no doubts - I wouldn't trust the label on the box if it was purchased used.
Sorry forgot to add that it is ho scale and it is the older version with the dual motors but not with a board that's what I'm confused about it would I have to hardwire one in? Thanks for all the help
1997 EMD DD40AX Rebuild with dual can motor.
This is the best description I could find of it
Step 1...grab a volt meter
Yes, hard wire install is what we need.
As DigitalGriffin brought up, the question is: How much power?
(And, if you were Tim Taylor, it's answer: More!)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
What do u guys mean buy get a volt meter and how much power how do I test that
aschieck Sorry forgot to add that it is ho scale and it is the older version with the dual motors but not with a board that's what I'm confused about it would I have to hardwire one in? Thanks for all the help
Use a couple meters like below. One measures the DC voltage. One measures the DC current. Measure at 12 vdc and press on a wheel, drive shaft.
Most decoders are rated for one amp.
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_HF/index.htm
I have done it with one HF meter but using two meters is easier.
Using a meter makes it a lot easier when working with DCC.
My meters show about 13.6 VAC with the NCE Power Cab.
Hopefully both motors together draw less than one amp.
If this loco is straight DC loco, you will have to split the frame and isolate the motor leads. A photo would help a lot as we are guessing at what you really have.
If no PC board, we are assuming straight DC. Many Bachmann were like that. A few had a PC board with wires coming from the motor and lights on the PC board but yours appears to be different.
So just got done testing it I'm runnin most of the time .30 amps +/- .10
Step 2. Take off the shell. Turn your meter to the little Ohm setting. (Omega symbol) Put one probe of your volt meter on a motor terminal, the other on the frame. It should read "0L" meaning over range or infinite resistence. If it reads "0" or low digits then your frame is NOT isolated from your motor.
aschieck So just got done testing it I'm runnin most of the time .30 amps +/- .10
You need to check the stall current, at 12V. Little harder with two motors to grab the shafts of both of them at the same time, but stall current is what you need to select a decoder.
Okay back again so the stall current is between 8.10v and 8.30 volts, that being said would the tsunami tsu-at 1000th decoder work
Okay so while I had it apart I took a picture here it is
http://s464.photobucket.com/user/Austin_Schieck/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151211_145651_zpsqo14cv8l.jpg.html?filters[user]=144418917&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0
You're going to half to separate the two shell halves to get to the motor terminals and the leads from the trucks by the looks of it.
How brave are you feeling?
aschieck Okay back again so the stall current is between 8.10v and 8.30 volts, that being said would the tsunami tsu-at 1000th decoder work
DC Throttle + terminal to Amp Meter + probe
Amp meter - probe to track A terminal.
Track B terminal to DC Throttle - terminal.
aschieck Okay so while I had it apart I took a picture here it is http://s464.photobucket.com/user/Austin_Schieck/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151211_145651_zpsqo14cv8l.jpg.html?filters[user]=144418917&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0
Look at your Photo Bucket site again. Use the IMG link so the picture shows up immediately.
In the link I provide before are the instructions for using your meter to measure current.