Electronics and DCC

Some time ago, I installed a micro 3.5 decoder in a Spectrum HO 44 tonner with very good results.  It has been running for some time now but I would like to do another one, and do a better job of locating the speaker.  I just purchased both a Spectrum 44 tonner for a good price ($39.95) and another LokSound micro 3.5 for a good price as well (considering the free-fall of the American Dollar, $125.25).  This 44 tonner is the latest production run with "DCC on board" as Bachman terms it.  Of course, the decoder is marginal, 28 speed steps, and the engine draws .10 amps (versus .03 amps for the LokSound equipped 44 tonner), according to my RRampmeter.
My question is this: has anyone else installed a micro 3.5 in this newer model.  The lights are now LED's, in contrast to the bulbs in the earlier models.  I replaced the ones in that model with LED's and resistors but it was a tight fit!  I want to use the LED's since they are now mounted on brackets.  Any suggestions as to installation of the decoder?  I have not really examined the existing "board" and the decoder closely as yet but wanted to seek some advice early.

John Cornette
Mebane, North Carolina

 I sent you a PM.

 Rich

After I finish my single motor 44 ton install, I am going to do the same with the Spectrum 70 tonner.

Rich

John & Rich,

Having two Trix Mikes (one with an older V2.0 decoder and the other with the newer V3.5 decoder), I would dare say that the crawling ability of the 44-tonner equipped with the Loksound V3.5 Mini has to be pretty impressive.

Tom

MRRSparky:

I have the older version 44-tonner with the incandescent bulbs.  I removed the original board to make room for the LokSound decoder, replaced the incandescent lamps with LEDs (cutting off the original lamp holders to make room), and attached the speaker directly against the cab wall opposite the "engineer."  I use the blue sticky stuff meant for attaching posters to walls to hold the speaker in place.  It provides and airtight seal, and it can easily be removed for any reason.  Sound quality is very good.

Very interesting. I will consider this. I searched for blue sticky stuff and saw a lot of links about the stuff. Very common stuff.

Rich