How to install a dcc decoder into spectrum MOW ballast vehicle (dcc ready)?

[judgethe]

this is the actual link for the manual http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/16947.pdf

when i bought this mow vehicle (dcc ready), i thought i can just plug in my bachmann 44915 dcc decoder 8pins into the socket. but when i looked at the manual, i got so confused. diagram only shows a weird looking pin/clip which doesn't make sense to me at all. could someone shed some light on this?

thank you

[ACY]

DCC ready does not mean it has an 8 pin socket, it just means the brushes are isolated, beyond that nothing is really guaranteed or implied. It looks like it has soldier pads so just soldier the appropriate wires and then you're good to go.

[judgethe]

DCC ready does not mean it has an 8 pin socket, it just means the brushes are isolated, beyond that nothing is really guaranteed or implied. It looks like it has soldier pads so just soldier the appropriate wires and then you're good to go.

this might sound like a stupid question but how should i know which color wire into which solder pad?

thank you for the clarification on dcc ready

[jonathan]

J,

This is the standard color code arrangement for all decoders:

1=orange
2=yellow
3= nada
4=black
5=gray
6=white
7=blue
8=red

If you go to this thread:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,16616.0.html

I provided some pictures that might help.  The thread is about sound installation, but the decoder theory is he same.  The fifth post shows some decoder wiring and their arrangement.

There should be some numbers on or near the solder pads.

Regards,

Jonathan

No such thing as a stupid question.  Answers, on the other hand...

[richg]

Don't "assume" with DCC installs. There are "Gotchas". The Spectrum 44 ton, 45 ton, 70 ton, 0-6-0T do not have 8 pin sockets. Only solder terminals.
Walther's has a new crane that can be converted to DCC. They advertise, capable of DCC and some "assume" DCC Ready. There is no socket for the decoder.
Below are a couple links you should take time to look through. Store the links in Favorites.

http://www.mrdccu.com/

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm

Rich

[richg]

I will add, there are DCC ready locos with the 9 pin Quick Plug, sometimes called 9 pin JST plug. Some decoders come only with a 9 pin and you need a nine pin to 8 pin adapter. Some 9 pin, you cut back the shrink wrapping, unplug the 9 pin and plug in the 8 to 9 pin adapter. Like I said before, do not "assume".
You can also solder the 8 pin connector to the wires on some decoders. To my knowledge, Bachmann locos do not come with the 9 pin.

Rich

[judgethe]

thankz everyone. will have a look at the solder panel/terminal in the MOW ballast vehicle later today

[judgethe]

took out the motor/board out from the MOW vehicle. i can't figure out which color wires from my bachmann 44915 dcc decoder (red, orange, yellow, blue, white, black, grey) going into which part of the board.

i would appreciate if someone could help me look at the following pic.



there are 3 wires (black, grey and orange on the front of the board. red wire is on the back of the board)
as shown on the pic, number 1 and 2 on the far right of the board. underneath number 1 and 2, printed MOTOR.

[judgethe]

finally a friend helped me with the dcc decoder installation. not a very straightforward easy task as what i've expected from a socalled dcc ready when getting this MOW. contacted bachmann and asked them what dcc decoder will work with the MOW but sadly no reply from bachmann officials.

not to be rude but i felt bachmann don't really cares about customers on this part of the world.