I'm looking to add this decoder to the climax and was checking to see if anyone has already installed this decoder. If so, any suggestions and where would be the best location for the speaker?
Thanks a bunch,
Doug
I use the Micro-Tsunami logging decoder in a MDC Climax. Tight fit.
You will have a good chance of doing this. I looked at the parts diagram for the Spectrum Climax and there looks like a spot under the PC board in the tender for a speaker. I see holes for the sound in the parts diagram. The decoder would have to be stuffed in on top of the PC board. Just a guess. You would need a 8 pin NMRA connector and solder the decoder wires to the appropriate pins. Might even have to remove the PC board and hard wire. I just do not know since I have not seen this loco up close. Bruce at Litchfield Station would no doubt have a suggestion.
If you do this, clip the capacitor on the PC board. There might be two capacitors right next to each other. They affect the operation of the decoder.
Follow the NMRA DCC standards and the decoder comes with wiring instructions.
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.
I see the two capacitors. Clipping these will not break the circuit that was designed for this PC board?
Thanks,
Careful with the lights as they are LEDs. You will need to put a resistor inline with the white and yellow leads to avoid blowing them (560ohm or higher works well).
Regarding this comment, what is keeping them from blowing prior to a decoder being installed?
My experience with the 4-4-0 is a resistor and a diode in the LED leads. The 4-6-0 had three resistors and a diode in series with the LED leads. The 44 ton has 12 volt leads so no resistors. The USRA medium tender has no resistor for the headlight but does have a diode in series with the headlight lead. The PC board had a small value resistor to dim the headlight for reverse operation. The diodes drop the voltage 0.7 volts which is not an issue. I have traced out the PC boards.
Again, Bachmann has production changes and the user might not be aware of this.