DCC decoder install in 3 truck Shay

[56chevytimes2]

I am ready to install a decoder in My new Bachman 3 truck shay but, I do not know which direction to rotate the decoder plug . It fits both ways. Any help is good help. I do not want to turn my decoder into a smoke generator. Thanks in advance.

[rrinker]

If you put it in the wrng way, it won't smoke the decoder . The wiring for the 8 pin plug is designed so that if you put it in backwards, the only thing that will happen is the loco will run in reverse - ie, you hit forward on the DCC controller, and the loco runs backwards, and vice-versa.
There should be a mark near Pin 1, a dot, a different shape of the pad, etc. Pin 1 is the orange wire.

--Randy

[56chevytimes2]

Thanks , A few more wires and the programing track will be hooked up and the I can test it.

[Isambard]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

If you put it in the wrng way, it won't smoke the decoder . The wiring for the 8 pin plug is designed so that if you put it in backwards, the only thing that will happen is the loco will run in reverse - ie, you hit forward on the DCC controller, and the loco runs backwards, and vice-versa.
There should be a mark near Pin 1, a dot, a different shape of the pad, etc. Pin 1 is the orange wire.

--Randy

I've found that my Spectrum 2-8-0's didn't have pin 1 socket identified, nor did the pins on DH121 decoders, however the orange wires were the clue .
[:)]

[56chevytimes2]

A DH121 is what I am installing so we will test it and see what direction it goes. The Shay is not going to set any speed records that for sure.

Thanks For The Help

[Isambard]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 56chevytimes2

A DH121 is what I am installing so we will test it and see what direction it goes. The Shay is not going to set any speed records that for sure.

Thanks For The Help

I have yet to fit my Spectrum Shay with a DH121, or DH123, it's successor, and will be interested if you encounter any difficulties. A Shay speedy? 15 mph tops-about 15 ft a minute at HO scale speed-someone check my math.
[:)]

[56chevytimes2]

I have discovered a dh121 will notfit inthe 3 truck shay. Digitrax sight recomends DZ123 to fit. I am going to go with a DZ123ps. Now to find one.

[rrinker]

Or try a TCS MC2. Might be cheaper. Or if the same price - at least it has BEMF and other stuff missing from the lower-end Digitrax decoders.
And I say this as a Digitrax system owner. The only Digitrax decoders I have used are DH163L0's in my P2K diesels, because they are the easiest to fit. All my other locos use TCS decoders.

--Randy

[Isambard]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 56chevytimes2

I have discovered a dh121 will notfit inthe 3 truck shay. Digitrax sight recomends DZ123 to fit. I am going to go with a DZ123ps. Now to find one.

I haven't opened up my 3 truck Shay yet to see whether it takes an eight pin connector such as with the DZ123ps. Does it?

[?][:)]

[56chevytimes2]

Isambard

Yes. there is a 8 pin connector inside I managed to get the DH121 in the 3rd truck but I had to shorten all the wires to get rid of the extra bulk. BUT it is tight. It is layout like this-- 8 pin connector at the back decoder connector at the front, decoder folded back across the wires so that the thinner end lays across the top of the 8pin plug then suck it in and put the shell back on. The wires I made just long enough to fold the decoder back on its self . Hope this helps the 8 pin connector came off of a MRC decoder that I hard wired into a loco.