I have the two Bachmann Steam Locos listed above. The 2-10-2 Light is DCC equipped. The 2-10-0 Russian is "DCC Ready." Both locos have two sets of wires connected to plastic connectors that plug into the tenders.
I don't have a DCC setup yet - just DC.
Are the wiring and connectors between the steam locomotives and their tenders of a Spectrum series a typical Bachmann setup? Are all their steam locomoives like this?
The locomotives have the wiring and plastic male plug that inserts into the female connections of the tender.
Here is a Bachmann picture for reference. These wires / plugs are what I'm asking about.
Okie Rick
(http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products/images/uploads/89831.jpg)
They are not all the same. Some will interchange, some will not. There are at least two different "flavors", possibly three or more.
There is a small board in the tender that these wires are attached to. There is a NMRA 8 pin plug on the board with a dummy plug to run on a DC system. Decoders with a 8 pin male plug would fit in that board. The board is there to comply with Different countries that have laws about electrical emissions, like when a train runs and it causes the TV to buzz.
Hi Rick,
I posted some pictures and pin-out information in this thread that might help. They are not the same as your tenders, but just for reference. I would suggest using a Bachmann decoder in the tender, better chance of being compatible with the pc board. With another brand decoder, you may have to clip the suppression capacitors on the board.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,7439.0.html
As mentioned, there are at least 2 different plug configurations. The tender you show has the female plugs on the tender, that plug into the male connector on the locomotive. I believe your Russian has the wires/plugs coming out of the loco, to be plugged into the tender, similar to the Spectrum 2-8-0.
The separately available USRA tenders, like the one I show in my thread, come with an adapter harness to use either way, however the harness is not wired correctly for all locomotives which can result in incorrect direction of loco.
Regards.
Quote from: Nigel on February 15, 2009, 12:11:20 AM
They are not all the same. Some will interchange, some will not. There are at least two different "flavors", possibly three or more.
I don't want to interchange or rearrange. These two locos are my first Bachmanns. I just want to know if all Steam locomotives and tenders have the wiring harnesses on the locomotive (where mine are located) that plug into the tender.
I posted the pic of the tender because (a) it depicted the two connectors I have onboard my locos and (b) the picture was handy. The wiring and female connectors are attached to my two Spectrum locomotives - not on my tenders[/i]. I hope I didn't throw anyone with the pic of the tender I got over in HO Products.
Thanks-
Rick
Quote from: pdlethbridge on February 15, 2009, 12:13:07 AM
There is a small board in the tender that these wires are attached to. There is a NMRA 8 pin plug on the board with a dummy plug to run on a DC system. Decoders with a 8 pin male plug would fit in that board. The board is there to comply with Different countries that have laws about electrical emissions, like when a train runs and it causes the TV to buzz.
Is it possibly as easy as plugging a DCC decoder into that 8 pin Male plug to convert the Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod to DCC?
My Spectrum 2-10-2 "Light" has DCC onboard but no sound. Could this be easily converted to have sound also?
The more I read the more I learn. The more I learn the more I need to learn. Sometimes terminology gets doesn't make a bit of sence. I worked on a Zenith tv repair bench in two towns working my way through college. That was back in 1970 through 1973. I remember vacuum tubes - not PCBs.
Some may say after reading my posts, "pick it up and look at it." I would if I could but I'm a quad - paralyzed from the armpit area down. I keyboard with a mouthstick and have an electronic head control on my powerchair. I've been paralyzed since Dec 1973. I'm back into HO RR'ing after packing my first 8' x 16' Tyco layout away in 1968. Lots of things have changed since then.
Thanks-
Rick
Quote from: Yampa Bob on February 15, 2009, 06:05:26 AM
Hi Rick,
I posted some pictures and pin-out information in this thread that might help. They are not the same as your tenders, but just for reference. I would suggest using a Bachmann decoder in the tender, better chance of being compatible with the pc board. With another brand decoder, you may have to clip the suppression capacitors on the board.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,7439.0.html
As mentioned, there are at least 2 different plug configurations. The tender you show has the female plugs on the tender, that plug into the male connector on the locomotive. I believe your Russian has the wires/plugs coming out of the loco, to be plugged into the tender, similar to the Spectrum 2-8-0.
The separately available USRA tenders, like the one I show in my thread, come with an adapter harness to use either way, however the harness is not wired correctly for all locomotives which can result in incorrect direction of loco.
Regards.
I just got some pictures taken which is what I should have done. The steam locomotives and their tenders, all Spectrum Series, are pictured below.
This is the 2-10-0 Russian Decapod advertised as "DCC Ready." The locomotive is equipped with the wiring and 4pin & 2pin male plugs. The tender accepts the connections. The 4pin ocket is horizontal and the 2pin socket is perpendicular.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/11m8dxl.jpg)
This is the 2-10-2 "Light" with DCC onboard. The loco s on it's ide. The locomotive accepts the 4pin and 2pin plugs. Both sockets are horizontal. The wires originate from the tender.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/33cu9hv.jpg)
Another passing thought - do these two pins and wiring date my locmotives? I opened these "new in the box" in January 09, purchased from the stock of a Tulsa hobby store. When I opened one a card for a 'new' 2003 catalogue fell out. The other had a similar dated card for a Thomas catalogue.
Thanks,
Rick with a stick
Rick
It seems that a lot of us are handicapped one way or another.
Most locos have the connection from the tender to operate under DCC with the wires and plug as shown . This a general statement because there are some variations in the configuration. If you want to install a decoder in your 2-10-0 you will have to remove the cover on the tender , take the plug out of the circuit board and in place plug in the decoder . Suggest you use Bachman decoder to ensure compatibilityand then reassemble.Put it on the track and test it . Hopefully if all goes well it will work as it should . I have given you a fairly simple explanation . Others may fill in the details.
Don
If this is confusing to you, you're not alone.
Last year I purchased four USRA Medium tenders from an online source. I later discovered the tenders were "first release", made over 7 years ago. The tenders would not work with any brand of decoder, including Bachmann.
There appears to be no logical reason for the two different harness/plug configurations, and there is no assurance that we are buying current production models. I also found a card for a 2005 catalog with a recently purchased 2-8-0. It's a bit irritating to pay 2009 prices for a 4 year old locomotive.
Bachmann installs several noise suppression components on their printed circuit boards to comply with strict European regulations. Bachmann decoders are designed to be compatible with these components without any modifications to the PC board. That's why we recommend using Bachmann decoders in Bachmann tenders. You may pay a few dollars more for a genuine Bachmann decoder, but you have a better chance for a "plug and play" installation.
Actually I've been successful putting digitrax decoders in a h-16-44 diesel (hardwire ) and plug and play in a decapod. Rick, welcome to the group and I'm handicapped as well, a very bad stroke 10 years ago messed up the right side of my body so I can only do things one handed. Bob can barely see, I can barely walk, you've got a stick and Grumpy, well he's just grumpy.. What a crew,,, What a crew... ;D ;D ;D ;D
You are making me feel absolutly superhuman! :D After all, I'm only 65 and can sort of see and sort of hear out of both eyes and ears.
Gene
Note the Spectrum Russian 2-10-0 was first released in 2002 and the Santa Fe 2-10-2 in 2006.
Given the number of engines produced it is quite possible to buy one of these engines today.
Ok, when I get to the Russian I'll for sure consult with the Bachmann Technicians. Meanwhile back on the 2-10-2 with the harness & plugs coming from the tender and connecting to the locomotive pictured below, one more thing...
The black & gold box it came in has a sticker proudly announcing "DCC ONBOARD." Can I be safe in assuming this locomotive & tender is DCC ready to roll right out of the box or[/B] should I consult with Mr. Bach Mann or a Techie here at Bachmann?
(http://i44.tinypic.com/33cu9hv.jpg)
Many thanks people-
Rick
"DCC On Board" means that the locomotive comes with a Bachmann decoder installed. It's in the tender. You should also have a set of jumpers if you want to run pure DC.
Gene
I called Bachmann today and talked to Customer Service. He verified that the 2-10-2 Light with "DCC ONBOARD" did have DCC loaded & ready to go. I seized the moment (a bit a drama here for you fellows) to tell him I was ready to add Sound to this locomotive. He referred me to Soundtraxx as that is who is their main Sound supplier.
I called Soundtraxx, explained to the guy I was speaking with about my Locomotive & tender wiring situation - which plugs went where & where they originated. He suggested the Tsunami TSU-1000 for Heavy Steam - that the DCC decoder onboard beneath the tender cover had an 8-pin connector with a wired plug in it. Take the tender apart, plug in the TSU-1000 where the plug is now and add a speaker - usually a 1" round because of little available space. Re-assemble the tender, plug it in and listen to over 22 steam sound effects including whistl, bell, air pump, exhaust chuff, coupler, brake squeal, water hatch opening, water filling, steam release, cylinder cocks, snifter valves, brake release, side rod clank, Johnson bar/power reverse, blower, injector, pop valve and Fireman Fred.
The TSU-1000 is the purple unit. I have it on good authority - step up here Yampa Bob - there is an 8-pin socket on one end to plug into the PCB of the DCC decoder board.
Now can someone tell me where that lone wire on the other end goes?
Courtesy of Walthers.com...
(http://www.walthers.com/prodimage/79909782/38061211258107.gif)
Thanks-
Okie Rick 'n stick
Rick
Please refer to the following thread:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,8263.0.html
To plug directly into the 8 pin socket in your tender, you have to obtain an adapter harness from JST 9 pin female socket to 8 pin male plug. The adapter is made by Digitrax, comes in 1 inch and 3 inch harness lengths, cost about $5.00 for either one. In most cases the 1 inch harness will work ok.
Part number for the 3 inch harness:
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=264&products_id=87588
Part number for the 1 inch harness (the "S" stands for short)
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=264&products_id=87589
Yampa and all-
I ordered the Tsunami TSU-1000 S (for Heavy Steam Locomotives), two JST to NMRA wiring harnesses and two speakers. The 2nd harness and speaker is for my Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod Light Steam that's "DCC Ready."
The 2-10-2 with DCC Onboard waiting on a TSU-1000 S and Digitrax JST to NMRA wiring harness:
(http://i41.tinypic.com/33krouo.jpg)
Black DCC decoder at the left:
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2801swn.jpg)
More when I finish up here and start with the 2-10-0 Russian.
Thanks for all your help,
Rick
Okie, I'm not sure that the USRA light 2-10-2 qualifies for "heavy steam." It might really be at the top of "medium steam." Compared with later 2-10-2s it's quite small.
Unless Tsunami has changed in the last few months, you will have to buy a nine pin to eight pin converter to plug it into the NMRA socket.
The spare wires are for certain accessories - don't worry about them.
Gene
Right, I'm putting a Heavy Steam decoder in the 2-10-2. The Russian 2-10-0 at Medium Steam will be a later project.
This weekend will be spent shopping for an EZ DCC Command Controller, getting some fresh track layed and researching some EZ Command compatible switchable turnouts.
Okie
or here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BACHMANN-DIGITAL-COMMAND-FOR-N-HO-ON30-TRAIN-SET-44902_W0QQitemZ200302356687QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item200302356687&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14 (http://cgi.ebay.com/BACHMANN-DIGITAL-COMMAND-FOR-N-HO-ON30-TRAIN-SET-44902_W0QQitemZ200302356687QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item200302356687&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14)
Yampa & pd,
Looking at this it appears to be 100% push button. If I was going to select something by pressing 1 would I:
press once to latch down, press again to unlatch (#1 key stays down and releases on a second press or tap) or is it more physical.
Remember - I'm playing with the end of a mouthstick. Like one finger poke at a time.
Rick
If you push no.1 the bell will ring until you push it down again to turn off the bell. Some commands are push to run and then push to stop. Other commands are push to start and shut off automatically. You should be able to operate 90 % of EZ command with a mouth stick in my opinion . The push buttons are fairly large . You may have to do some adapting the speed control which is a dial and fairly large.
Don
I'm looking for speaker wires. Tsunami says use two purple wires for the TSU-1000 S (Heavy Steam) Sound Decoder. I have 3. Two purple and a white coming out the capacitor end (left hand end) and one purple, one green coming out the JST to NMRA harness end (right hand end). (note JST to NMrA harness is installed in this photo).
(http://i42.tinypic.com/293yte1.jpg)
Which wires to use?
Thanks-
Rick
Use the two purple wires that are on the left in your picture for the speaker. (same end as the capacitor). The white wire will not be used unless you add a dynamic exhaust cam, so disregard the white wire.
I didn't have any help today but will have some helping fingers tomorrow. I have a list of stuff to be picked up in town tomorrow before my help arrives. I need a new low voltage iron and some small diameter solder, rubber cement, heat activated shrink-type insulating material and a smaller drill bit than I have if there is one. I need to get the speaker housing beneath the coal load ready for it's install and perforate the coal load. It's made easy by Bachmann on this tender. It flips up to reveal the working space.
I did run across one thing I need to clear up on the wiring of the tender. Examining it tonight I found a red wire which appears as though it should be soldered to a screw tip but has come lose.
In the photo below there is a lone Red wire on the left hand side looking towards the front of the tender that appears to end right at the shiny nut and screw. Without my magnifying glasses on I can't tell if it has ever been soldered to the screw. My help yesterday said it looked like it did. I'll post this elsewhere and/or call Bachmann but I need that information for sure.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2r7yl1s.jpg)
Once I find that out, perform a bit of surgery and place an audio implant in I'll be ready to test it on a DC track. I've learned a lot of "what to do" and "what not to do" in this little exercise. I purchased the EZ Command DCC Controller System today. I'm ready for stuff to get noisy in here.
Thanks-
Okie Rick with a mouthstick
Hi Rick
I answered your question about the loose wire in the other thread. Be sure to seal the speaker frame to the bottom of the coal load, so the sound waves from the speaker back can't "leak" through to the front of the speaker.
Perhaps that's why you said you needed rubber cement. A very thin coat of silicone sealer will also work.
Good luck
The 2-10-2 tender has a chamber below the coal load. I don't know if this was by accident or design but my 1" round speaker is going to fit very well in the enclosed area below the coal load. I got re-supplied today in solder and cement as well as getting another very small drill bit to perforate the coal. When I hear from you email I'll hope to be most of the way done.
Inside tender, back side of coal load chamber. Hole needed to run speaker wires.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/24y8i76.jpg)
Rick