I’m going to (or at least try to) install a DCC decoder on my Bachmann Spectrum HO 0-6-0T engine. The box says “DCC readyâ€. Does this mean:
(1) the motor is already isolated from the frame?
(2) The front and rear lights are ready to work with the DCC chip without adding resistors or changing bulbs, etc.?
If so, can I just remove the 2 jumpers from the PCB and solder the appropriate wires from the chip, and be good to go?
Thanks.
Harry
Sounds about right. Cochrun has a great set of instructions for this locomotive. Just click on this link:
http://www.greensteamproducts.com/060T.PDF (http://www.greensteamproducts.com/060T.PDF)
Please note that it is a PDF file so you will need Acrobat or similar to down load and open it.
Quote(1) the motor is already isolated from the frame?
Short answer -- Yes
DCC Ready means the motor brushes are isolated from the track power pickups and there is some means to accept the installation of a decoder be it socket, solder pads, wires or something else. For DCC decoder to work power can only reach the motor brushes thru the decoder. Easiest way to isolate the motor brushes is to isolate the motor.
Quote(2) The front and rear lights are ready to work with the DCC chip without adding resistors or changing bulbs, etc.?
Short answer -- Yes
What you are calling a DCC chip is better known as a DCC decoder.
QuoteIf so, can I just remove the 2 jumpers from the PCB and solder the appropriate wires from the chip, and be good to go?
Short answer -- Depends on the decoder used
Some decoders require you cut one leg of each capacitor.
Information in the following may help
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/bachmann060t.pdf (http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/bachmann060t.pdf) but use a DZ123 decoder
http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/Bachman%200-6-0%20Saddle%20Tank/Bachman_0_6_0_Saddle_Tank.htm (http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/Bachman%200-6-0%20Saddle%20Tank/Bachman_0_6_0_Saddle_Tank.htm)
Thanks, guys. Great links.