Decoder for HO Spectrum 4-6-0

[johns]

I've just tried a Digitrax DZ125PS motor docoder in my Ten Wheeler.  Runs great but it would take some cutting or rebuilding under the tender shell to get it to fit.
It looks like some of you have used the TCS MC-2 decoder in this engine.  Just wanted confirmation that this one will fit without modification.  If not, I'll work at it till the Digitrax decoder fits.
Thanks

john

[Yampa Bob]

For HO I usually use the DH 123 series with 3" leads. This gives more options to move the decoder around where there is extra space.

I have one of the older DZ123 and it has 3" leads also, maybe Digitrax shortened the wires on the 125.   

[johns]

Bob:
   It's not the decoder that's causing the the problem but rather the 6 pin plug.  When plugged into the socket on the board, the tender shell is hitting the top of the plug.  There is about 2" of lead off the plug so I can position the decoder where needed.

john

[Yampa Bob]

Is the loco a Bachmann?  I can't imagine making a DCC ready loco without leaving room for the plug.  Oh, you said "6  pin  plug".  That decoder is for certain EU/NEM locos.  Did you get the wrong decoder by chance?  Look at the sheet and make sure it is a 123PS, if there is an "N" suffix I think it's the wrong one.  I'm not an expert on Digitrax decoders, just that I've never had a problem such as this.

If the loco is a Bachmann, you need the NMRA 8 pin plug. That's all I know LOL.

[Pacific Northern]

johns

Is the 10 wheeler the small or large driver set?

I have both of these engines and they have the DZ125 decoders.

The high driver set with the larger tender was no problem.

The low driver set need a small bit of filing but with a bit of tweaking it fit fine. The decoder has the 8 plug pin and should work.

[johns]

Bob:
    Having a senior moment...meant to say "8 pin" plug...

Pacific Northern:
    It's the low drivered version so the tender has less room.  Since my first post, I went ahead and removed some of the plastic supporting the coal load (underside) and it now fits.

Thanks to both of you for responding.

john

[Yampa Bob]

John
Don't feel bad, your topic said "Spectrum" and I asked you if it was a Bachmann. DUUUUHH.  

I seem to be having a lot of those senior moments, turning into more like "hours".

[Pacific Northern]

John

Glad you got the tender to fit. It did take a bit of fitting.

As you mentioned there is not much room in the low driver tender, I would not even attempt to put in a sound decoder in that model myself. I would opt to have one of the dcc experts do the installation for that. Would be money well spent.

I forgot to mention that you should cut the yellow capacitor on the pc board.

Of all of the steam engines made in the Spectrum line the 4-6-0 is my favorite.

[johns]

PN:
    Yes, I did cut the yellow capacitor on the PC board.  And I agree, this is a great looking engine.  Everything looks "right", no parts cause you to say, "they should have done it this way....."  in particular, I mean the paint, added detail, etc.. 

   I want to play with the CV's and eventually double head the Ten Wheeler with my Richmond 4-4-0, another stunning model.

   I think I've read that the Bachmann decoders don't have as many CV's but I've not been able to find a reference at the Bachmann site covering this.  Do you know where to look?

john
 

[Pacific Northern]

Johns

For the CV list check the E-Z Command on the main menu. Under E-Z Command you will find the last item is the DCC PDF for the Bachmann decoder.

[grumpy]

I put a TCS DP5X in my Spectrum, 4-6-0 which required no cutting and ftng. I carries more than I can make use of with my EZ Command but it works fine.
Don

[WGL]

 Is there a decoder with sound for a Spectrum EMD SD-45 with DCC?

[Guilford Guy]

Any decoder with an 8 pin socket.
Bachmann also sells DCC equipped SD45's.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/bac-82714.htm

[WGL]

 Thanks, Guilford Guy!  In the September Model Railroader, I read an article about installing sound, but it still left me with questions.

[WGL]

 Wait, Guilford Guy, your link took me to the model I own!  It wasn't advertised as having sound, & I haven't gotten any sound from it by pushing program numbers F2 through F9 on my E-Z Command.