Installing the HO GE B23-7 w/ DCC

[thehnw1223]

Hi Mr. Bach Man,

I own a HO GE B23-7 that I would like to install DCC with, however, its not DCC-Ready and I can only install DCC in locomotives that do not have PCB boards.

Any Suggestions??

[Flare]

As that is a discontinued model, I doubt you'll get much official support.

I don't have that model, but looking at the replacement part pictures, it appears that the trucks are driven directly from the rails and the PCB only controls the lights.

You might be able to fit a small decoder like Digitrax's Z-scale DZ126T in thereafter removing the PCB:  http://www.digitrax.com/products/mobile-decoders/dz126t/

Wire it up between the wheel pickups and the motors, connect the forward and reverse LEDs with some resistors and off it goes.

[Len]

You don't say if your loco is the really old one with incandescent lights, or the newer old one with LEDs. Either way, decoder installation is realatively simple.

If it's the really old board:
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/images/ho_parts/1110XX-6175.JPG

Unsolder the bulbs from the board, and connect to the standard decoder light connections (blue, yellow, and white common wires). You may need to extend the wires. I usually put some heat shrink tubing over incandescent bulbs to cut down the glow inside the shell.

With the newer old board:
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/images/ho_parts/H11105.jpg

Unsolder the wires from the left end of the board shown in the pic, and keep the LED mounting assembly together for reuse. Unsolder the LED on the right end of the board. The only real difference from the incondescent bulbs, is when connecting the LEDs, add a 1/4 watt 1k ohm resister in line with the white common connection.

Len

[richiy]

I believe this is your loco.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_B23-7_DIESEL.pdf

The Bachmann Parts page does show a decoder for present loco right next to the older model PC board for this model.

I recently saw a discussion of DCC in this loco in a forum. Cannot remember where right now.
Sure you know, just make sure the two motor contacts are not connected to pickups.
I know the 1990 model was a pancake motor in the front truck.

richiy

[thehnw1223]

You don't say if your loco is the really old one with incandescent lights, or the newer old one with LEDs. Either way, decoder installation is realatively simple.


With the newer old board:
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/images/ho_parts/H11105.jpg

Unsolder the wires from the left end of the board shown in the pic, and keep the LED mounting assembly together for reuse. Unsolder the LED on the right end of the board. The only real difference from the incondescent bulbs, is when connecting the LEDs, add a 1/4 watt 1k ohm resister in line with the white common connection.

I have the newer old board with the LED lights.

and thank you for the tips.

[thehnw1223]

I have taken the loco shell of the B23-7 and it appears that the pick-up from the trucks is attached to the PCB.

Should I unsolder the the pick-up from the PCB and solder it onto the red wire of the decoder?

[Flare]

I have taken the loco shell of the B23-7 and it appears that the pick-up from the trucks is attached to the PCB.

Should I unsolder the the pick-up from the PCB and solder it onto the red wire of the decoder?

Do the trucks move on their own without the PCB attached?

[richiy]

I have taken the loco shell of the B23-7 and it appears that the pick-up from the trucks is attached to the PCB.

Should I unsolder the the pick-up from the PCB and solder it onto the red wire of the decoder?

It would help a lot if you posted a photo of the loco. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Scroll down a little to General Questions for instructions.

richiy