I have a Roco DCC system, track, and 1 DCC engine, all from a complete dcc set. I have mounds of analog engines but I can’t solder and I don’t know how to install a decoder (none are DCC-ready.) Will any MODELER install decoders in my engines? I will pay $5.00 per engine plus the cost of decoders. The roco system uses 2-digit adressing
The going rate is $20 to $40 per locomotive, plus the decoder.
Where are you and what brand(s) or types of engines are you asking about? There are several companies that install decoders, and you may be able to get a reduced rate from one of them if you have several engines that need decoders.
Decoder installation depends more on the age and brand name of an engine than anything else. Many of the newer engines have simple plug-and-play decoder installation, and some older engines cannot even have a decoder put into them because of the way they were made.
Learn how to solder, it is not hard. Buy a $15.00 kit which has an iron and some solder.
Also, if you know any other model train hobbists(spl?) around, ask them. They would probably do it for free, but would love $5 for 5 minutes of easy work.
Also, Digitrax sells solder free installation kits for many popular brands.
RailfanEspee4449,
Being that you’re in the 6th grade, you will need some financial help as decoder installation costs quite a bit more than what you’ve indicated. Talk to your parents. Perhaps they can work it out where they can have one locomotive at a time done for you in exhange for extra chores, making the honor roll, volunteer work, etc. As stated above, it will help you to learn it. Don’t feel intimidated. At the old age of 41, I’m learning myself and with the help of a friend I wll learn how to do my own DCC installations.
For professional installation information, check out:
Bruce performs quality installations.[4:-)] [:D] Has had a lot of positive feedback from customers. [;)] E-mail him with any questions you have. Click on the link below to view samples of installations. Hope this helps!
Hey railfanespee4449,
Find a local club that has DCC and join them. I can almost guarantee that if you show the interest to learn, they will teach you. The first two or three decoders seems to be everyone’s hardest to install but after that, it isn’t too bad…kinda like installing Kadee couplers for the first time. A little practice of your soldering skills on wire by itself will prepare you for the task at hand. Remember that model railroaders are generally pretty resourceful and they find ways of doing things themselves. Again, the key is the willingness to learn. Who knows, in a few months or so, you can become a decoder installation expert – REALLY!!!
Well said.
A couple of years ago, I had never held a soldering iron. Never had a reason.
But after a little practice, the intimidation just went away. Now I am comfortable
with soldering track, as well as delicate work, like decoder installations.
Don’t be afraid to jump right in, whether it’s soldering or anything else. Dave
I learned to solder at an early age. The biggest thing in my opinion is keep the wire clean and if it’s dirty get it clean. A small soldering kit from any store you choose may be perfect but you can also buy all the things you need seperately. By buying them seperate you may get better quality stuff too. The flux is the key, just go to any radio shack and they should have solder you need for electrical work. I suggest using some wire scraps to practice on and in no time you’ll be soldering away.