This is my first installation of a decoader into an engine. I plan to install a Digitrax DZ 123 into a Bachman, Spectrum 0x6x0. Will I need to remove a capacitor from the engine wiring? The Digitrax instruction is not clear on this point.
see, thats what im asking as well dclausing! I have a bachmann northern I want to dcc. But have no clue where to start. Let me know what you find out. I checked out the bachmann site but to no avail. I figured the larger the engine, the easier the install. of course mine is n scale. small in relative terms.
try this site it has the best install help that i was able to find myself enjoy
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Installation_list_by_Manufacter.htm
Nick
just to be safe you suould cut one lead of the capacitors. Just make sure it’s the capacitor. The most popular brands are supposed to operate with the capacitors. they were added because certain foreign countries require them to eliminate RF interfe rance. I ran Bach Spec ten wheeler with the capacitor intact. there was no difference when I cut the leads.
With a DZ123 (and most current Digitrax decoders) you should cut the capacitors, and short out (jumper) the inductors. Some models have only capacitors, some only inductors, some both.
The problem arises in “silent” decoders. These have PWM frequencies above the audible range. The capacitors and inductors may set up a resonance in the output stages of the decoder. In the worst case scenario, the smoke is let out of the decoder. This will not happen in all cases. The motor is also part of the circuit, and some motors may worsen the issue.
The safest course of action is to remove the capacitors and short the inductors. It is not always required.