OK DCC Gods, share your wisdom with your followers . I like many are planning on using DCC. I am leaning hard towards Digitrax. I also like the Digitrax decoders with the transponding feature. Then there is SoundTraxx DCC sound. Since I am pretty new in N scale and determined to sink or swim with it, what decoders have you guys used? Installation tips, nightmares, likes and dislikes. And one more question (for now)is it possible to install a DCC decoder and DCC sound in a N scale average diesel? Thanks in advance for the advice
Can you say drop in concversion??? LOL I would recomend, if you can, to stay away from LL, and stay with Kato and Atlas so everything is a simple drop in and program, a total of 20 minutes, and 10 when you get better! Dane N. Oh here is what I have used DZ121 DZ121 DN147 DN147 DN147 DN147 UNKNOWN dn147
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BC Rail King: Can you say drop in concversion??? LOL I would recomend, if you can, to stay away from LL, and stay with Kato and Atlas so everything is a simple drop in and program, a total of 20 minutes, and 10 when you get better! Dane N. Oh here is what I have used DZ121 DZ121 DN147 DN147 DN147 DN147 UNKNOWN dn147<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thanks for your sharing your experience. I have read several how to articles on how to install DCC decoders in non dcc ready locos like LL GP20 and SW9/1200 . Also there are many locos from Kato and Atlas that are not DCC ready but possible. Steam also falls into this area where it is possible to install DCC in the loco. I want to install DCC decoders in non DCC ready locomotives to provide me a greater choice of locomotives in a already limited selection. I am a little nervous though of tearing into a locomotive and killing it for good. Have any of you guys done this yet? What is your experience? Thanks, Matt [This message has been edited by mtaylor (edited 16 April 2000).]
Just for the record, I have done that, just not liked it. My expierence is getting some one to be there your first time who has expierence. Remeber, in this kinda decoder istillation you have to be really specific on what you want. In all likelly hood you will either have to drill, or loose a weight somewhere in the locomotive. In a steamer it is sometimes less of an issue becuase of the all wonderful tender Ahhh, what would we do w/o that thing? Now, in most cases you can put the actual decoder in the tender, and extend the wires into the loco, where you will then actaully gain weight instead of loose it If you have a specific loco in mind post it and I will try my best to help you with that specific loco. Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
I have a Kato SD45 (more to follow) that I want to convert to DCC. Also I leaning towards Kato E8 locos as well. I'm guessing that I would need to use Digitrax's DZ121 decoder (the real small one). Any thought?
For the SD45's (which I have a few with decoders)I would suggest sending the frames to Aztec for milling. John can mill them for a DN140 or my choice, a DN146A. With the DN146A, only two wires need to be soldered (motor connections). Because the DN146A is a PC board, the lites are already attached. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
I have heard all good things about Aztec, I am hoping to have a need to use one of their products in the near future. I am thinking about putting a decoder in a LL SD7 (I am not sure why, LOL) but they make a better weight for them. Dane N.
I was going to add.... My SD45 has a DN146 Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
What do you guys know and think about Southern Digital's DCC ready replacement frames. They are heavier than the original frames and they claim the loco's run better with them. Plus, it appears they take some of the pain out of installing DCC into a non DCC ready loco. Any thoughts? Here is their url http://www.sodigi.com/ By the way, their frames are called DigiFrames. Thanks, Matt
I've not heard any good things about those other frames. I know Loy's Toys are dumping them. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mtaylor: I used to have Aztec's website bookmarked, does anyone have their URL? Thanks Matt<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Here you go Matt www.aztectrains.com ------------------ MBR#307 Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mtaylor: I have a Kato SD45 (more to follow) that I want to convert to DCC. Also I leaning towards Kato E8 locos as well. I'm guessing that I would need to use Digitrax's DZ121 decoder (the real small one). Any thought?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Digitrax makes a drop in replacement for the E8's.. it is the DN145K and also fits their PA's.. Harold
You Guys ROCK!!!! I love this board....I LOVE THIS HOBBY....I LOVE N SCALE... I love you guys man!!!! Sorry, I guess it's time to put away the beer and get ready for bed. Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks for the great info. I will be buying some locos soon. It always makes me a little crazy
Well I got my Digiframe from Southern Digital http://www.sodigi.com today for my Kato SD45. I still need to order a decoder for it. I am planning on going with the Digitrax dd140. I will let you all know how this turns out. I am knee deep right now with putting in a new floor for the rail room, final planning of the benchwork and gearing up the DCC side of things. <insert evil laugh here>
Everyone has their own preferences. I prefer the Aztec frames over Digi-frames. On my SD45's, I got the frames that will accept the DN146A board. Just solder two wires, pop in the board, and action. It took about 10 minutes. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sd75mac: Everyone has their own preferences. I prefer the Aztec frames over Digi-frames. On my SD45's, I got the frames that will accept the DN146A board. Just solder two wires, pop in the board, and action. It took about 10 minutes. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I plan on purchasing additional SD45 locomotives in the future. I would like to try the Aztec method as well and compare the two. Yours does sound easier to do than the Digiframe. However, if Southern Digital claims are true that the frame is heavier and performs well, that is also a good argument......what is a geek to do Anyways, I am waiting on a decoder (I did not order them at the same time So when ever I get around to this project, I will post the results here. Matt
It must be terrible for you guys who do not have a milling machine! I would strip down the locomotive, mill of the area needed, re-assemble, and hey presto! Funny how you take things for granted when you have them ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com
