Decoder Installation for Bachmann 44 Tonner

[spokeshave]

Has anyone out there had any experience with installing a decoder in the "newer" Bachmann 44 Tonner Switcher or are there any how-to articles available. I have very limited experience with DCC installations ( just plug & play). Thanks in advance.
Spokeshave

[Anonymous]

Do you have the directions that came with the engine? That shows you the color coded wires that go into the different solder ports. Tin the ends and simply solder them in their respective holes. Use a small iron; 15amps is plenty, and don't use too much solder. Don't have a small iron? Get one. If you plan on installing decoders you'll need it.

Too much heat will wreck the circuit board, and too much solder will cross circuits to make your expensive new decoder toast. If you move the wire while the solder is still soft, you'll have a joint that looks frosty. This is a "cold solder joint" and is no good. The solder should look wet.

Practice soldering on some old junk stuff, or even on metal shapes and old wires. Get the hang of the solder and the iron you're using. When you're ready, go for it...

You can do this.

[Rotorranch]

While I agree that you don't want too much heat, I don't agree with the "15 watt" soldering iron being adequate for most work. I generally use an Ungar ( Weller ) 45 watt, 1100 degree stained glass iron, or a Hakko 45 watt iron. These both have a relatively small tip, 1/4-3/8 inch wide.

The advantage of using a high powered iron is that you can get on and off the work fast, without transfering a lot of extra heat into your work.

If you want a lower temp, use a temp control unit. These are available for as little as $20, or make your own from a fan speed control from the home improvement place.

I recently did some work on The Kid's N scale layout, using a 25 watt iron I had laying around, and was not satisfied with the results. Even for small wires, the hotter iron does a better job for me.

Rotor

[SpaceMouse]

This might help.

http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/Bachman%20GE%2044%20Ton%20Diesel%20Switcher/Bachman%20GE%2044%20Ton%20Diesel%20Switcher.htm

[cacole]

The biggest problem is not soldering the wires, but in finding a decoder small enough to fit into the Spectrum 44-Ton locomotive. Unless Bachmann has changed their design and opened up more space, only a dime-sized decoder such as the TCS M-1 will fit. I have installed decoders in the older version of the Bachmann, and used the Lenz LE077. The TCS M-1 is about as small as the LE077, and Lenz has a newer version that now has a different number.

[nfmisso]

TCS M-1, Digitrax DZ123 and DZ143 fit, as do some of the new Lenz decoders., and probably others.

[WilmJunc]

I recently installed a Digitrax DZ123 in the newer 44 Tonner. I completely removed the circuit board that came with the unit and soldered the decoder leads to the proper locomotive leads. I believe that the only challenge was that Bachman did not color code the locomotives wires (all black). You have to do a little testing to figure out what's what. The final result was a smooth operating locomotive.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Rotorranch

[b][i][blue]While I agree that you don't want too much heat, I don't agree with the "15 watt" soldering iron being adequate for most work.

I didn't say the 15 watt was for most work; in fact, all that it is good for is doing decoders. But higher wattage can fry components on your circuit board. The variable control is an option, but with that arrangement, accidents can happen.

I have various irons, guns and a resistance unit, but I have a 15 watt iron for DCC installations only.