add decoder to Spectrum F7A/B units

[Jerry1313]

I have three sets of Spectrum F7A/B powered units. Are these DCC ready? Which decoders fit? Are they "plug n play"?

[seadowns]

Hi!

AFAIK are these engines not digital ready so you have to hardwire a decoder.
Here is a link to a how-to site:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Bachmann/F7B/index.html

Regards
Mathi

[ACY]

They are not DCC ready, they do not have soldiering pads and I think you need to isolate the motor. It is not plug and play by any means.

[Jerry1313]

Hey, thanks for the info. It seems doable, although certainly not "plug 'N Play" for sure. I may add these to one set of my F7s.  I am using the bachmann DCC system so, I mix DC & DCC all the time. I use a DC controller pluged into the DCC controller and it works great (as long as you remember to not leave a DC loco on stop for more than a few seconds!). Actually, the DC unit "creaps" forward even with no power applied to avoid this problem.