DCC decoders

use a TCS M1 or the newer MC2

Is the 103XF the wired variety as DCC ready normally means a NMRA socket which means you'll need a decoder with a NMRA plug on the end of it.

Chris

Not an issue. The issue is the physical size of the decoder. When Hornby say 'DCC Ready' they mean it has an NMRA socket fitted between the loco pickups and the motor. What is DOES NOT imply, is that there is any physical room 'Under the bonnet' for a decoder.

As far as I can tell, having peeled the loco, is that the decoder must be less than 2mm thick and no larger than 16mm square!

Andrew

About the only one that qualifies would be one of the Trix Selextrix/DCC decoders made for N gauge.

If the decoder is wired you can put it in the tender.

(kim)

As previously stated use either the TCS M1 decoder which is rated at 1.3 amps peak load or the newer and slightly larger TCS MC2 which has a 2 amp peak load. Both are available with a plug if you can't solder.

In article , Andrew writes

The Black 5 is one of the easiest conversions to DCC - it was the first loco I fitted a chip to and it worked first time so it has to be easy.

I have used the Lenz LE1025E - it plugs straight into the socket noting pin 1 is towards the rear of the loco. There is plenty of room for this chip inside the smokebox of the loco where it slides in almost to the front and plenty of room for the wires above the plug.

Full details are in the October 2002 issue of Model Rail magazine - this is the article that gave me confidence to have a go.

You are right about performance and running - both truly excellent.

Chris

So it does. It's the 91 Masterclass Edition. I still have the issue if anyone wants to buy it (£2.60 + postage). Sorry but I don't make copies.

(kim)

You could try ZTC at

Chris

I used an M1-UK in mine and plugged it in. It is a tight fit, but there's a gap where there is a taper between the boiler and the smoke box, where the capacitor used to sit. I basically bent the wires in such a way that the decoder itself sits more or less end on to the plug. I then put the top back on and no problem.

If anyone wants more info than I can post some photos or something but it's pretty straight forward.

End of thread notice:-

Yeah OK, apologies to Hornby. I did not notice at the time that the entire end of the boiler (all 1.2inches of it) is in fact hollow and can take a quite big decoder. I have fitted a LE1025E and am very pleased with it's performance, at least now it travels in the same direction as the rest of my stock (CV29 needed tweaking for some reason).

No I am looking forward to chipping and weathering my nice new Bachmann 37038 when it arrives.

Andrew

"Andrew" wrote

Give it a good test before fitting your DCC chip. There have been some pretty ordinary performers amongst these latest 37s. Check in particular that all of the axles move freely from side-to-side - some seem to be lacking in lubrication and result in slightly jerky operation.

Also make sure you remove ALL of the little yellow capacitors - there's one on the PCB on top of the chassis and as many as four or five situated around the motor itself.

John.

EEK!

More advice please, what do the capacitors do for heaven's sake. They should me very small values if they are for TV interference suppressors or have bachmann started whacking big value capacitors in provide a little inertia/momentum.

Andrew

"Andrew" wrote

Take my word for it, if you don't remove them you'll have a far greater risk of the decoder fitted loco not working properly.

I recently fitted a decoder to a Bachmann K3 and prior to removing the solitary capacitor on the PCB it was totally uncontrollable. It set off at around a scale 50mph at the slightest turn of the throttle and stopped as is someone was stood on the brakes. Remove the capacitor and it responded perfectly.

This of course shouldn't be the case. Bachmann, Lenz all say it shouldn't happen, but it does!

John.