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Hi.
My first attempt at installing a sound decoder has got me beat!
I have bought an MRC DCC decoder with sound.
My plan is to install it in a Model Power (IHC) USRA 4-6-2.
I know I can place the speaker in the tender, but there is not enough space for the PC board in the loco. If I were to carve away most of the lead weight, I could squeeze it in, but reducing the weight will no doubt have an adverse effect on it's performance.
Has anyone gone through the same scenario and if so, I could do with a little help.
Thanks in Advance.
Mac
Mac, besides cutting out part of the weight, theres no other solution except to buy a smaller decoder.
There's usually enough room to put a speaker and sound board in the tender. I've done about 4 of these installations without to much of a problem.
NYC_George
DCC in the tender.
George.
Never thought of that solution.
Just checked and it looks like it might work. Will try it later in the week.
Mac
Post some before and after pics of your install. There can never be enough pics of decoder and sound installs. There are so many different locomotive and decoder combos in this hobby, it is always good to see what someone else is doing!
ON a related note, is it possible to use an N scale decoder in a small HO locomotive? Such as an Athearn Hustler, or Bachmann 0-4-0 saddle tank switcher?
Mac the thing about putting the decoder in the tender is you’ll have 6 wires from there to the loco. 2 power, 2 motor and 2 lights. When I did mind years ago I used mini connector for the task. The most import thing is not to get frustrated. I watched Tony’s Train guys installing decoders at the Big E train show. They go nice and slow and get everything right.
Good luck
George
ON a related note, is it possible to use an N scale decoder in a small HO locomotive? Such as an Athearn Hustler, or Bachmann 0-4-0 saddle tank switcher?
As long as your locomotive doesn't have an amperage draw greater then that specified on the decoder (worse case you will fry the N Scale decoder).
Most N scale decoders have the same tolerances as HO scale ones. They simply cost more as the smaller size means smaller more expensive components.
With N scale sound decoders, make sure that you attach it to the main weight or a metal component to act as a heat sink! The smaller sound decoders are more susceptible to overheating.
I put sound decoder and speaker in an IHC hudson. if the loco is not DCC ready you need to make a wire loom that runs from the engine into the tender. I suggest the loom to have the following wires.
RH wheel power pickup
LH wheel power pickup
- head light
+ headlight
- motor
+ motor
these wires should be soldered and then covered so that metal cant contact the weight under the boiler shell.
the tender should have power pick ups also. if it has wires in the tender for a rear headlight you can use these. make sure you have the LH/RH side of the tender wheels wired the same to the LH/RH side of the engine wheels.
the speaker can be mounted upwards under a coal load or faced down to the track. you will need holes so that the sound can escape. personaly, I like to drill holes in the plastic coal load and glue a layer of coal ballast so that it looks like a real coal load. I then put the speaker in a home made box under the coal load.
trent
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