I have a Digitrax DCC system. I need to install a decoder into my brand new 44 ton switcher. Which one is recommended? I have the Spectrum version of the switcher.
I used the DZ123 in my 44 Tonner. I soldered it in.
How does your 44 ton run with that decoder? Mine is HO scale. Is yours?
I used a Lenz LE077FX dime-sized decoder in my dual-motor Bachmann Spectrum HO scale 44-tonner. The newer TCS M-1 is of an equivalent size. The Lenz decoder’s number has been changed since I performed my installation a few years ago but I don’t know what the new number is.
I also installed a Digitrax DZ123 decoder in my 44 ton Bachmann switcher. It’s a sloder in project but not hard to do at all.
The 44 ton Bachmann Spectrum has a board with two copper connectors that slide over three holes each. All I did was remove the copper connectors, trim the decoder’s wires to a shorter length, tinned about 1/8" of each wire, push the wire through the holes in the board and touch the solder iron to the end of each wire until the solder melted and took hold to the board.
Just make sure to maintain a gap between each tab on the board and it will work fine.
Bill
Sounds like a plan to me. So the DZ123 will work with an HO loco then?
Yes, the DZ123 decoder should be able to handle the current load of the Bachmann 44-tonner. The decoder number translates to Digitrax, Z-scale, 1 Amp capacity, 2 functions, software version 3.
Yes- mine is HO.
I will go get one then at my local hobby shop.
My 44 ton Bachmann Spectrum switcher works great with the Digitrax DZ123 decoder. I am using an NCE Power Pro R DCC system.
I called Tony’s Train Exchange and asked them which decoder to use. They recommended the Digitrax DZ123 because of it’s small size and it can handle the amps with no problem. Below is the spects on it.
Current Rating 1.00 Amp (2.0 Amps Peak)
Size 0.36" x 0.55 x 0.13"
9.14mm x 13.97mm x 3.3mm
Installation Wired
Function Outputs 2-500mA
Function Type FX3
Bill
Does that DZ123 work in the Bachmann 0-6-0 saddletank switcher also? If not what is a good decoder for that engine?
Thanks
I placed a LokSound Micro in a Bachmann 70 tonner and a Bachmann cheapie decoder in a 44. There is room for a Micro if you are creative. Then, you’ll have better motor control and sound!
Contacted LokSound on this. Their position is that this is an N scale decoder will not be under warranty if used in anything but N scale. Best to double check with them again.
Or, you can put a much less expensive DSX sound only decoder in a car adress it with your loco and have it trail your switchers. Of course you are always linked to that car if you want sound…but what a sound! My car has 4 28X40mm oval speakers wired in series and parallel drawing 8ohms that way and firing through the floor. May not have the extensive sound repetoire of Loksound but quality is infinitly superior to anything you can fit into a switcher!
I used TCS M1s in both my 44 tonner and 0-6-0. And roundhouse critter for that matter. The M1 is more or less equivalent to the DZ123, either will be fine. I did these before TCS introduced the MC2, but an MC2 will also fit in the loco. It is a little cheaper, and a little larger than the M1 but comes with a 7 pin plug so you can unplug the decoder.
Speaking of sound in the 0-6-0, I recall a thread a while back where somebody shoehorned a big ol’ soundtraxx LC decoder in the little saddletank. It did involve re-mounting the motor so is certainly not the easiest way to go. I think you could get away with a loksound micro in that small of a an engine, just beware that the motor circuit on that decoder isnt really designed for HO scale.