planned to install DN146A decoders in these locos, but they turned out to be just a tad too long to fit in the top of the loco shell. So I used Digitrax DZ121 decoders. (The DZ143 decoder only appeared on the scene much later.) ANDRÉ KRITZINGER
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The easiest solution to decoder installation in the N scale Atlas GP40 would be to get hold of an Atlas GP40-2 or GP38 frame. A perfect fit in the GP40, it's decoder ready and just needs a Digitrax DN146A or DN163A0 dropped in. Then maybe you can negotiate to sell the old GP40 frame to someone like John Claudino at Aztec. Or you could get a decoder-ready modified frame from Aztec - John does excellent work. Described below is the quicker and cheaper, but slightly more difficult route, which entails some frame milling in order to make room for a Digitrax DZ121 or DZ143 decoder. ANDRÉ KRITZINGER
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Model Railroader Magazine article. Must be member of site (its free)
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Track Master frames are factory frames which have been precision machined to accommodate DCC decoders. Each Track Master comes with easy-to-follow step-by-step installation instructions.
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The first four of my Bachmann Spectrums to be decoder-equipped were done by Glynn Chamberlain, who did the installation more or less in the manner as set out below. ANDRÉ KRITZINGER
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The Doodlebug is a nifty little model which, at first glance, has plenty of room for a decoder installation. However, upon closer inspection, that tempting passenger compartment may not the ideal venue for a decoder after all; those side windows and cabin lighting would put the decoder (no matter how minute) on full-time display for all to see. It would further compound the matter if you wanted add passengers and other details (livestock, carry-on parcels, etc.) to the interior. Oh, what a dilemma! But where else could one hide a decoder? (Armadillo & Western Railroad Co.)
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Here are a couple of links to decoder install instructions: http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/Bachman%20N%20scale%202-8-0/bachman_n_scale_2_8_0.htm http://www.tonystrains.com/download/bach280_dec_inst.pdf
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The following detailed description covers installation of a Digitrax DZ120 decoder in ConCor GE U50 diesels and the ConCor UP Gas Turbine, as actually performed by the author of this publication, and reflects the experiences encountered during those installations. Since multiple units of the same type were converted from analog to digital, the descriptions presented reflect problem resolution and shortcuts developed. (NRMRC)
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DCC Decoder Installation: Kato SD80/90MAC
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Decoder Installation. Also some great video of both HO and N scale trains including some demonstrating Soundtraxx sound effects.
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Digital Command Control for Model Trains.
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Dimensions, functions, current draw, and more...
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So you want to install your own decoders. Actually it is not very hard and after you have done a few, you might even find it is fairly easy. But you might find your first one a little intimidating, here I hope we can help you out. (Don Crano)
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Help with plug'n'play decoder installation. As many of us know not much in DCCland is truly pnp. Here is some great help.
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The purpose of this site is to provide information on DCC decoder installation, with special attention paid to difficult installations such as N scale locomotives that are not DCC ready.
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Description on how to install a Digitrax DZ143 decoder in an Atlas GP30, of the 2006 make. I reverted to a wired decoder installation after having found out that the Digtrax drop-in DN163A0 decoder did not fit in the 2006 run of GP30:s. No frame modifiaction needed. All soldering and modification is done to the original PC-board. Detailed photos.
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Describe how to easily install the Digitrax DZ123 into the last Kato F3 B Unit produced for the Zephyr set.
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This page describes installing a Lenz decoder into a RS-2 using the supplied light board as a substrate.
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Just as Plug-N-Play doesn't always work as advertised on computers, sometimes some extra effort is required to make Digitrax (and other) Plug-N-Play (PnP) decoder installations work just as they should in N-scale locomotives. The following are some problems encountered and suggested solutions for the various Digitrax PnP decoders, as well as other problems related to good operation of specific locomotives. There is also a discussion on relacing the amber LEDs that come with the Digitrax decoders with the white LEDs that are now appearing on many new lcomotives. (NRMRC)
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While this loco is not DCC ready, installing a decoder is extremely easy. As you can see at right, there is a well, where a light board resided, where the decoder fits nicely. The two screws that held the light board in make an easy place to connect decoder power wires. A 560-ohm resistor was used with the small ultra-bright white LED front light. (Loy's Toys)
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The following detailed description covers installation of a Digitrax DZ120 decoder in the Kato 2-8-2 Mikado Steam Locomotive, as actually performed by the author of this publication, and reflect the experiences encountered during the installation. (Three locomotives were converted.) This is one of the more difficult decoder installations to perform, largely because of the difficulty of disassembling the locomotive. It is not not recommended for a first or early on installation. It will take significantly longer than you may expect. (NRMRC)
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The following detailed description covers installation of a Digitrax DN93 decoder in Kato F3/F7 diesels, either A or B units, as actually performed by the author of this publication, and reflects the experiences encountered during those installations. Since multiple units (4) of the same type were converted from analog to digital, the descriptions presented reflect problem resolution and shortcuts developed. (NRMRC)
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Installing a LE0511W into a Kato n-scale SD40-2. (David Harris)
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Installing a LE0511W into a Kato n-scale SD45. (David Harris)
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Installation of Digitrax DS51K1 into a Kato No.4 Switch unit
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This installation was the first I've done since the new series decoders were released by Digitrax in 2002, and I used a DZ143. ANDRÉ KRITZINGER
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I chose to install the Digitrax DN142 decoder in the Kato U30C because I had the decoder available and also because it would fit "easily" into this large loco. If I didn't have the DN142, I would probably rather have used a DZ121, or nowadays a DZ143, since it's smaller which means less frame milling, and it's also a little less costly. ANDRÉ KRITZINGER
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The following detailed description covers installation of a Digitrax DN93FX decoder in Life-Like F7A diesels, as actually performed by the author of this publication, and reflects the experiences encountered during those installations. Since multiple units (2) of the same type were converted from analog to digital, the descriptions presented reflect problem resolution and shortcuts developed. (NRMRC)
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Life-Like GP20
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I used Digitrax DN142 decoders in these locos, simply because I had the decoders. A better choice would probably have been the cheaper DZ121 decoder. Decoder installation is really rather a waste on this loco since it is most definitely not a good performer. Probably the best choice for this loco would have been a DN121, which was much cheaper than both the DZ121 and DN142. ANDRÉ KRITZINGER
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This project is a good way to try your hand at installing a decoder in an N scale locomotive without resorting to an after-market retro-frame. Basically, it is just a matter of removing the shell from the frame and fitting the Digitrax decoder (either DN93 or DN93FX) in the space created by removing about 3/8" from the height of the weight on the long hood end of the locomotive. After that, it's just a matter of soldering the leads properly. (Springhaven Shops)
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I consider the Digitrax DZ121 decoder as ideal for these locos. It is very easy to install with no modifications required to the locomotive. ANDRÉ KRITZINGER
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Web page with excellent instructions for installing a decoder in a Life-Like SW9/SW1200 switcher
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Installing a LE0511W into a LifeLike n-scale C424. (David Harris)
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This is my decoder install procedure for this little gem. It's a tight sqeeze, but can be done
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The Kato F7 is an example of a great looking and running N scale locomotive that is not "DCC ready" out of the box. This is due mainly to that fact that the frame completely fills the shell, leaving no room for the decoder. The good news is that the F7 is one of over 40 N scale locomotives that Aztec Manufacturing supports with their Track Master frame machining service. (Decoderizer)
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This document should help you understand the process of installing a DCC decoder in a locomotive that was not designed for it. I've done similar conversions to Bachmann and other locomotives. This is just a guide and not a step-by-step instructional document. Be careful before you start chopping up your $100 locomotive.
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Plug and play decoder for N-Scale Atlas GP40-2, U25B, U23B, B23-7, 30-7, 36-7, GP38, SD25, TRAINMASTER, etc. (NCE)
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Some actual sizes do not match the manufacturers data. As I could not measure most of the decoders myself, the table contains manufacturers data. At Lenz I have noted the decoders available in the US, please look on the German page for European types.
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Custom intstallers of wired DCC decoders in almost any "N" scale loco. If you have a loco that there isn't a drop-in decoder for, this site is for you.
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