Just a quick question for all those who may know. I picked up a new Spectrum Doodlebug, installed a DN121 decoder into it. Now it runs fine, but the noise is something else! It almost sounds as if there is no decoder in it. The decoder responds to throttle inputs, lights on/off etc. so I know its working, but the noise will drive me nuts. Any thoughts???
Apologies if I should have posted this on the DCC thread, but I wasn’t sure.
I have had the pleasure of doing an installation in one of these., Since you do not give me eneugh info as to what exactly your problem is. I can give you two things to try.
If your problem is the same as mine, I found the mecinism to be nearly devoid of any kind of lubricant. So I gave mine a dab of Labell 106 grease on the gears and some labell 108 on the motor bearings and the noise went a way.
I installed a DH121 in mine and noticed after I lubbed it makes a slight hum slightly reminiscent of my granfathers Lionel Trains that they make when they have eneugh power to light everything up but not eneugh to get going down the tracks. This sound did not bother me so I did not make any further changes, but if this is the sound to which you refer, then you might have to resort to a “hypersonic” decoder made by NCE or Lenz. They send the puls modulated DC signal to the motor at a different frequency which eliminates the hum.
Just what I know on the topic. Hopefully it is helpful.
James
I’m pretty sure James is correct in assuming the 1st generation of Digitrax decoders didn’t have silent motor drive. The newer generation (denoted with a 3 on the end of the part number) do in fact have silent drive, and a host of other goodies. If you don’t like the noise, simply pick up a newer DZ123 or similar decoder and install it.
PS> To my knowledge the DN121 was discontiuned a while back. Did you pick this up from a dealer locally or online?
Jeff
Yep, your problem is an older decoder. If the sound bothers you so much then you need a newer one. The digitrax ( like jeff said ) are good. Another alterantive is TCS. Take a look around.
Thank you all to those who answered my question. I was tied up for awhile and couldn’t get online to check for answers.
I thought the 121 was kinda old, but I picked it up at a monthly train show in the Chicago area for pretty cheep, so no complaints from me. I’ll pick up a DN163 or sim. next month and try that. I think you guys are right, I want something with silent motor drive.
Thanks again, and Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays) to you all!
Fred Cnota