marc smith Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Hi, Have looked around on this topic, but can't find anything. I have a pre-DCC ready Bachmann class 08 shunter, and I want to fit a decoder. I've done this previously, using the guide "Red + Black to the track, Orange + Grey the other way" which was fine! However, the wires and circuit board in the Bachy 08 don't follow this colour code. I'm sure it must be easy enough, when you know which wires are which..... Anyone done this on the 08? Cheers Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Depot Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 I have done a couple, will try and find the link to the wiring guide and post it! Just checked, the link must be on my PC at home. You could try asking Dave (beast66606) if he still has the info if no one else responds since it was Dave that wrote the guide if I remember! cheers Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MickD Posted March 18, 2010 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 18, 2010 Hi, Have looked around on this topic, but can't find anything. I have a pre-DCC ready Bachmann class 08 shunter, and I want to fit a decoder. I've done this previously, using the guide "Red + Black to the track, Orange + Grey the other way" which was fine! However, the wires and circuit board in the Bachy 08 don't follow this colour code. I'm sure it must be easy enough, when you know which wires are which..... Anyone done this on the 08? Cheers Marc Hi, Marc. The easiest way is to get rid of the circuit board.Unscrew the board cut the wires at the board,I have found a Tcs decoder sticks where the board was mounted,but if you use a larger decoder I would file the 2 screw mountings flat (making sure you dont get any filings near the motor) then put a double sided sticky pad where the circuit board was and put your decoder on it.You will see the wires from the track are soldered to a copper strip on each side of the running plate,Solder 1 wire to the black on the decoder It doesnt matter which one & the other wire to the red.Solder the grey wire to a wire from the motor (again it doesnt matter which) & the other motor wire to the orange wire on the decoder.It really is a lot simpler than it sounds!!.All you have to remember is the 2 pick up wires on the copper strips each side of the motor are red & black,And the 2 wires from the motor terminals are orange & grey. MickD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
'CHARD Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 Google 'electricnose' then menu for DCC fitting guides (I think), he does an illustrated step by step on the early Bachy Jocko. EDIT: notice that through the medium of teamwork, MickD has provided a link, below. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MickD Posted March 18, 2010 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 18, 2010 Hi, Marc, http://web.archive.org/web/20021021224231/www.electricnose.co.uk/dcc/dccbachmann08.html Hope this link helps. MickD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 Hi, Marc, http://web.archive.org/web/20021021224231/www.electricnose.co.uk/dcc/dccbachmann08.html Hope this link helps. MickD Thanks to everyone who replied! Mick, those guides are really clear + concise, with good clear photos! That's helped a bundle, and it looks easier than anticipated (hopefully....) Cheers mate Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MickD Posted March 19, 2010 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 19, 2010 Hi, Marc, Its one of the easiest non fitted locos to do, you wont have any problems with installing the decoder.The only problem is getting one small enough to to fit in the body.As I said I have used TCS MC2 in the half dozen I have fitted. MickD. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRman Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 I used TCS M1s in the Bachmann and Hornby 08/09s that I have done. Earlier ones were hard-wired as described above, later ones have a DCC socket. The M1 is small enough to tuck out of the way - behind the radiators in my case. With the early Bachmann ones, there is a larger flywheel and less space but removing the spigots holding the (discarded) circuit board allows the decoder to be stuck to the front of the block with double-sded tape. If all else fails, follow the pickup wires to the wheels; red on the decoder should go to the right hand running rail. The radiator end of an 08 is the "front" or number 1 end. Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 This thread has got me thinking.... ...I've heared tell of a unit (I think made by TCS?) which acts as a sort of "current smoothing device" - for want of a better term! The device features some sort of capacitor unit, it detects electrical "drop-out" and is able to keep the locomotive running extreemly smoothly, by compensating for interrruptions in the supply. I've heared tell of even short wheelbase locos, creeping over dirty track..... Appologies for being unable to remember the name of these units... There was a feature in one of the recent magazines, but I don't think the pictures were particularly clear. I suppose space in the slightly older Bachmann 08's is a tad too tight. I seem to remember this article saying that the unit had to be fitted into the cab. Any of you guys fitted one of these? If so, how do you rate them for the money? (I think they're a bit pricey - but it may be worth it if you only have one or two shorter wheelbase locos?). Cheers again, Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MickD Posted March 19, 2010 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 19, 2010 Hi, Marc. I know that Lenz sell thier USP module which does as you describe,but I dont know if TCS do the same??. I also know I would not pay more than the decoder costs to fit one of these. MickD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mr.S.corn78 Posted March 19, 2010 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 19, 2010 This thread has got me thinking.... ...I've heared tell of a unit (I think made by TCS?) which acts as a sort of "current smoothing device" - for want of a better term! The device features some sort of capacitor unit, it detects electrical "drop-out" and is able to keep the locomotive running extreemly smoothly, by compensating for interrruptions in the supply. I've heared tell of even short wheelbase locos, creeping over dirty track..... Appologies for being unable to remember the name of these units... There was a feature in one of the recent magazines, but I don't think the pictures were particularly clear. I suppose space in the slightly older Bachmann 08's is a tad too tight. I seem to remember this article saying that the unit had to be fitted into the cab. Any of you guys fitted one of these? If so, how do you rate them for the money? (I think they're a bit pricey - but it may be worth it if you only have one or two shorter wheelbase locos?). Cheers again, Marc Hi, i havent fitted any but i did get to see then in action at the trade show the other week. They are pricy but if you are having problems with short wheelbase locos it may be the answer. They are basicaly a capacitor that will provide power to the chip in the advent of the power dropping out. They also will hunt for the power if it is stood witout for a lenght of time. The guy on the Lenz stand placed a piece of paper over the track and the loco ran on to it with the lights and sound running. As for the cost i would say it depends on if you really need one or not. Some times just adding extra pick ups is enough to help the shorter wheel base locos out. cheers Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 The Lenz modules are the Power 1 (for regular size decoders) and Power 3 (for large scale decoders). IIRC, these modules consist of a capacitor and a small electronic circuit. However they can only be fitted to the Gold+ series decoders and not to the Silver+ or Standard+ models, as the Gold+ is the only one fitted with the necessary USP circuitry. I remember reading at least one article on fitting a Power 1 equipped Gold into a Bachmann 08. Zimo have a similar facility on a number of their decoders, but it's much simpler as there's no external circuitry involved and only requires a capacitor to be soldered to two connection pads. Even better, Zimo now supply their decoders with a capacitor included in the package at no extra charge ! The Zimo MX631 fitted with a capacitor may well fit into the narrow space at the front of a Bachy Class 08. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 838rapid Posted March 26, 2010 Share Posted March 26, 2010 I have managed to fit the Bachy decoder (the one wrapped in Black plastic)inside a non dcc 08. Hope this might help Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted March 26, 2010 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 26, 2010 I remember reading at least one article on fitting a Power 1 equipped Gold into a Bachmann 08. Yes, it was in Hornby mag, an article by a certain Mr Morton (ian of this parish) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold beast66606 Posted March 26, 2010 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 26, 2010 Hi, Yes I was the first to DCC an 08 B) the guys above have given good advice but if you are still struggling post again and we will help you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougN Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 Hi I did one of these a year ago and had trouble. The wiring is a doodle. BUT my problem came up on the programing track as the older O8 had a problem with their pick ups so did the one I was converting. Some times I would be able to program and then nothing. Others not at all . Thanks to SRman pointing out that the pickups can be extremely dirty. Once cleaned the loco/ Chip programed perfectly and has run perfectly ever since . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 The way around the pick up problem I found is to do exactly what Captain Kernow did to his (was detailed on the early version of the forum). Essentially fit 2 lengths of copper clad sleepers under the loco wire each of these to the pickups then fit pickups that touch the rear of the flanges rather than the tyres. Mine was fitted with this and the Lenz Silver as per Electricnose site and on 128 steps (step 1) runs at such a crawl that it's difficult to see that she's running! Good fun for shunting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougN Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 Yes do agree AMJ. I usually set all my Bachmann locos which as a standard have a TCS M1 with BEMF to run on 1% on my digitrax controller. I have had the local finescale guys here who are amazed when we went for a cup of tea and left the loco running and came back it had moved about 2 meters in half an hour! They were extremely impressed though did fob it off as "too expensive and you can still get better running from a portescap on a pentroller!" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 Hi, Marc, http://web.archive.org/web/20021021224231/www.electricnose.co.uk/dcc/dccbachmann08.html Hope this link helps. MickD Just by way of a quick update. I did manage to fit the decoder, as per those very clear instructions. It runs very well - the best running 08 I have! Though it did stall once or twice at DEMU last weekend! (funny how this happens at a show, and not at home... ). I really must try one of those TCS capacitor units one day! But anyone not wishing to shell out, this is the best method. Someone suggested that the electronics are better for not having the circuit board... Cheers Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Marc, The capacitor storage solutions work, but before going to that expense there is a simple mod on the chassis that helps a bundle. The centre axle is sprung, but has virtually no movement as supplied. Whip off the keeper plate, file some relief into it so that the plunger and axle can drop a little, and bevel the top edge of the plunger so it can rise a little more in the chassis locator. I have stretched the plunger spring a little and added weight to mine too. That gives very positive pick up: haven't had to bother with USP1s, despite fitting mine with Golds with this eventuality in mind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc smith Posted June 16, 2010 Author Share Posted June 16, 2010 Marc, The capacitor storage solutions work, but before going to that expense there is a simple mod on the chassis that helps a bundle. The centre axle is sprung, but has virtually no movement as supplied. Whip off the keeper plate, file some relief into it so that the plunger and axle can drop a little, and bevel the top edge of the plunger so it can rise a little more in the chassis locator. I have stretched the plunger spring a little and added weight to mine too. That gives very positive pick up: haven't had to bother with USP1s, despite fitting mine with Golds with this eventuality in mind. Hi, Is this a mod for the Bachmann model, or does it also apply to the Hornby 08? Sounds interesting! - Anything that can improve running on shunters is a welcome bit of info... Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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