I recently bought an Digitrax DH163D Decoder for an loco i have. the loco has a plug in it for a decoder but the DH163D doesn’t have the pins. is there a way to wire the decoder in either bypassing the plug or making a makeshift connector? or should i return the decoder and order the one with the plug?*
*I bought this one because i want the engine up and running for a clu OP session Tuesday!
peter
You could either bypass the factory plug (probably just remove the factory board and connect the decoder directly), or solder on a connector if you can find one. Most DCC installs basically boil down to track power, motor leads, and lights. If the locomotive already has a DCC plug then it’s likely the motor is isolated but it never hurts to check.
The DH163D comes with instructions that tell you which wires to hook up where. I usually do the motor and track power first and then test it. If works on the programming track, then I put it on the layout and test run it. Then when it’s all working mechanically I go back and do the lighting.
If the loco already has the plug then I would suggest you get the right decoder for plug and play for it. What make is the loco? If its a Proto 2000 then you will want the DH163LO. Its a lot easier to just pop in the decoder then it is to solder all those wires and add resistors so the lights don’t blow.
the loco is a Bachman Spectrum F40.
i read somewhere that you could easly create your own plug… any thoughts?
peter
You can buy the plugs and solder the wires to them. I’ve also made my own from the dummy plug, but it sort of depends on how the dummy plug is made. If it just has circuit traces linking the pins, you can cut through them (check with a meter to VERIFY no pins remain shorted! Otherwise you will destroy the decoder), and then solder the wires on to the appropriate pins. You can also buy harness with the 9 pin plug at the deocder end and the 8 pin plug at the other.
–Randy
this is a MS paint drawing of what the pin looks like that came with the loco.
If it has big blobs like you drew, forget it. You can buy the plugs and solder the wires on, or you can buy harnesses with the 9-pin on one end and 8-pin on the other. TCS has many specific ones for various locos - they might have one specifically for your model. The TCS harnesses will work fine with a Digitrax decoder - the 9-pin plugs and socets on those decoders that have them are all the same. Digitrax also sells the harnesses, but only in two styles, long and short. Short might be too short, and long might be too long.
–Randy
ok thanks.
what’s the web site for TCS? i’m gonna talk to some people from the local club see what they think.
peter
I discovered TCS at the NMRA show in Cincy a few weeks back. I had never used their decoders before and really had no knowledge of them. I was very impressed by their product line. I have subsequently installed 4 locos with differnt TCS decoders. I also have purchased one of their harnesses. The MC-2 is a little gem of a decoder http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoder/mc2.html
I just installed a TCS T1 decoder in my grandson’s new Bachmann Spectrum K-4 using an 8 to 9 pin harness. Picked it up at one of the LHSs. I think it was made by Lenz… Cost about $4.00.
I am also impressed with the TCS decoders. So far all I have installed are the T1s in F7s and now the K-4. Very good speed control and silent running at a GOOD price.
the local club uses digitrax so i’ll be staying with digitrax.
I talked to the local MRR shop and the owner said she would see about getting some harnesses.
peter
Right now I am using all Digitrax decoders in my installs and my club uses Digitrax. But there is nothing magical about them such that you need to stick with one brand. My best running loco has a Lenz decoder, and my BLI’s run fine with their decoders. The main thing I would point out, is that if Randy says a decoder is good and he uses it, you can take that to the bank.
If you want to spend a little more money for something else, fine. But just because your club uses Digitrax, does not excluse you from using other fine decoders on Digitrax layouts. The NMRA standards have insured that they will work.