DECODER PART NUMBER

[bjens001]

I have 3 Spectrum "GE DASH 8-40 CW DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES, all of which have H850X-PC801 PC Boards. I want to change them to full DCC Control. Can this be done by just adding a decoder ? If so what part number do I need to get.    thank you Bill jensen

[Brewman]

You didn't specify what scale but I am assuming HO. It looks like you remove the shorting plug at K1 and there is a 8 pin socket underneath. Any 8 pin HO decoder will work. Check Bachmann, Digitrax, or TCS website for decoders with the 8 pin harness. A basic decoder will work fine unless you want to add extra lighting. I have used Digitrax and TCS decoders with no problems. I also still have the Bachmann decoder that came in one of my locomotives and haven't had any problems with it.

Barry

[Jerrys HO]

Bill,

After looking at the parts diagram and the part# you stated, it appears yours may have the 8 pin socket. That part# also is shown for the DCC equipped model. You may want to remove the shell for verification.

If you have the DCC ready version the diagram does not show an 8 pin socket so it may not be plug and play. There is a bright side though, it appears this board is equipped with led's already and the motor is isolated. There should be markings on the board (if it's like my SD45 was) that mark where the motor and lighting wires attach to the board. I suggest before hooking the decoder up test all leads with a multimeter to make sure.
Following the directions that are supplied with the decoder should bring you a trouble free install.
Read, check, double check, install, test.

Diagram for DCC ready....

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H850X-IS001.PDF

DCC equipped....

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H835x-IS001.PDF

Jerry

[Jerrys HO]

Bill,

When you remove the shell the board should look like this (enlarge picture to view better).
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_68_191&products_id=1362

Notice the 8 pin socket with K1 next to it (which Brewman noted in his post) this is where the dummy plug will be or possibly the decoder.
If you don't see the socket then look at the board and you will notice the motor, and led tabs this is where you would hardwire your decoder in.

Jerry

[Brewman]

Here are some more pictures if you truly have the plug and play version:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/GE_DASH/BACHMANN%20GE%20DASH.htm

Barry