I picked up my first two DCC decoders today to install as I am upgrading to DCC on my new layout presently under construction. They are both Digitrax decoders to work with my new Prodigy Advance DCC system. The first is a plug-and-play made especially to fit my Atlas GP40-2 (by the way, these are N scale locos). That one should be a breeze. The second is more of a challenge. It is a Z scale decoder (tiny by any standards) which I have to hot wire into one of LIfe Like’s top end industrial switcher, an SW1200. I have to do some basic modifications (remove some weights) to make it fit in the tiny cab and I have to solder all of the connections myself. I am an electronics novice, so wish me luck. I will let you know how it went after this weekend (I plan this second operation for Satruday).
Ron
Good Luck!
Be sure to follow the directions! Use SMALL amounts of solder, and use SMALL amounts of either liquid rosin or paste rosin flux. ( I prefer the liquid ) Also use a small soldering iron, and try to work fast so as not to tranfer too much heat into the wiring or components.
Have fun!
Rotor
Good luck my friend! May the Force be with you!! [swg] Keep us posted on how things turn out.
By coincidence, I’m just installing my first decoder, too. It’s going into my Bowser PCC car. The project also involves installing lighting, so it’s a bit more complicated. I went upstairs to the train room / family room to test it, and discovered the room full of just-graduated-from-eighth-grade girls. I think the testing will have to wait.
I’ve probably installed a 100 decoders, just take it slow and easy, as Rotor says “not too much heat or solder and not to long”. Most of my friends first mistake is to figure on using an 80 watt iron - way to big, I use a 25 watt with a pencil point and have no trouble at all.