Okay - since I got my RS2 done, I need to ask if anyone knows about the DCC Ready Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0. They say absolutely nothing in the papers that came with it as to where a decoder would go, what, how, etc. I thought i heard that the tender is where it goes, but, seeing that the tender is connected to the loco with a 2 wire plug, seems like not enough wires there for that option. I cant imagine that having to place it in the loco would seem to be DCC ready or friendly:thumbs_down:. Thanks Tim
You install a decoder in the boiler by removing the weight and placing the decoder in the space that the weight occupied. All the necessary wiring is within one inch of the decoder.
Here is a photo tutorial for the decoder installation in the Spectrum 2-8-0. The decoder used is dated but the installation is the same in the boiler. http://mvns.railfan.net/dcc/bach280_dec_inst.pdf Have fun.....
The Lenz Silver Mini fits nicely in the space vacated by the weight and is a very good decoder; it's what I used in my 2-8-0's. I also took out the light board and replaced it with a sunny white LED (and dropping resistor - 1K. Don't forget the resistor!). Not necessary, but useful, since the headlight looks a LOT better. Also, be aware that on my 2-8-0's, the blue and white wires for the light board were reversed: the blue wasn't the common, but the + and vice-versa (meaning the blue wire would get connected to the white wire on the decoder). Again, this may have just been a manufacturing error, and is something you should check before reassembling the loco. John C.
I used a DZ123 decoder and trimmed off the excess heat shrink to shorten it a bit. Note that Bachmann reversed the motor wires, and dumb a@# just matched the colors...
