norman

Hi

I am looking for suggestions for a suitable sound decoder.

Any advice to make it sound as authentic as possible, perhaps a J94?

Norman

Preference noted.

 

All I wanted to know was that if I couldn't (afford to) buy the sound fitted version at initial order, could I buy the decoder later as it will only be available thro' Little Loco.

 

Steve answered my question too; I knew, by reading this forum and the Little Loco website, that the decoder and its associated sound project were to be OEM specific and available only thro' Little Loco.

 

For me, through experience, the Zimo decoder and Paul Chetter's sound projects meet my needs entirely. I'm sure there may well be other options available  - but why complicate matters?

The custom design is relating to the project - the hardware MX645P22 is a standard item, albeit a recent addition to the variety of interfaces. In theory it should make fitting a decoder and additions like stay alive, other functions for extra lights etc simpler.

Post #352, specifically states ".....a custom-designed decoder...." which is the hardware upon which the 'sound project' resides - the two are somewhat different methinks?

Hi

Does this mean that a standard PluX22 either sound or non-sound decoder will not fit the Little Loco class 15?  I thought the whole purpose of having standard interfaces was to ensure compatibility.

I prefer Steve's explanation.

Hello Norman, the chip is supplied to Little Loco on an exclusive basis - i.e. not to be sold separately. If I were to sell this separately I would then need to agree a retailer agreement with ZIMO, and this is not something that Little Loco Company is geared up to do.

Hi Steve

OK now I understand.

See post #352, not too far back!

I'm sure a sound project produced by Paul Chetter will be excellent. But that does not answer my question about commercial availability.

Absolutely Andy, as long as you retain your proof of purchase you can buy the decoder any time, as long as they are in stock. I've ordered plenty so you have some time on your side.

I'm just wondering why you would need to have a proof of purchase to buy a decoder? Are they being sold at less than market value as a loss leader? Or is there something special that means you can only use this decoder with a Little Loco model.

Norman

Right - taking the need for a 5 function DCC chip out of the equation can someone write a comprehensive list of how the lights work on pure DC?

 

Like d600 both my post-TOPS Blue 08s have a single white (top) light illuminated in the direction of travel only. No rear lights. Cab light works. On DC should you ever see a red 'rear' light? A video I found on YouTube of a black 08 shows the same as that. Single top light, no rear.

 

Is this correct? Not correct?

 

I find it suspicious I'd have two 'lemons'.

 

Martin

Hello Martin

The shunting lights red & white on front and rear only work on DCC.  On DC the marker lights work and the cab light is optional via a switch on the board.

If you want the shunting lights to work on DC you will need to rewire the loco.

Norman

The 08 arrived this morning, tested OK, but may need a slight tweak to the outside rods quartering, as the rod on one side is not quite straight for the entire rotation, and it is correctly on the track, which takes up the "sprung" middle axle. Very smooth at low speed, a bit noisier at higher pace, but then these were run at very low speed only.

It is the black unnumbered version early crest type.

Track also arrived so layout under way and some points to buy or build.

Stephen

Hi Bertie

Yes top speed 15mph is prototypical.  Higher speeds caused damage to the gear box and to avoid this 08s were restricted to 15mph.  The 09s had a different gear box and were permitted to go higher.

Norman 

Was there any official reason given for the price increase from £169 to £199?

 

I notice that some places are still advertising the green versions at £169 for pre-orders. Will they instantly go up to £199 on release?

Hi Wirey33

Supply and demand I guess they were selling out very fast and the cynic might say the right price is the highest that can be extracted.

Norman

Norman,

 

As I said, I don't think it has 4 lights.

 

All that works on DC with both of mine is that the directional top lamp illuminates directionally and the cab light comes on. But only when moving. LOL

 

There is a switch on the PCB which disables the cab light.

 

On DCC, if you have fitted a decoder with 5 or more normal functions, you can switch the top directional lamp plus front and rear shunting lamps (one red and one white at each end),plus the cab light separately.

 

That's it as far as I can see. I do not think that there is an LED in the bottom middle lamp, but I stand to be corrected if anyone knows what function output it is assigned to. If there is, then the function count will go up to 6 (or 7 if you want it to be directional).

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Hi Paul

Thanks. I am only looking at the photos at Tower, Hattons etc and they certainly show 4 lights each end but maybe the middle light at the bottom does not function.  I wonder why they would do that.  

On later 08s there were only two lights at buffer beam level (the middle light deleted) but sometimes an additional spot light was mounted higher.

Norman

Norman,

 

Despite being described as a 4 light model, I'm not sure that it actually has 4 lights at each end.

 

See the main Dapol 08 thread on this forum.

 

To operate all lights correctly on DCC you must use a decoder with a minimum of 5 normal function outputs. a 3 or 4 function decoder will not be enough.

 

KInd regards,

 

Paul

Hi Paul

Thanks for your comments.  Am I right in assuming  that the wiring of the 08 separates the four lights on each end to one at the top and 3 at the bottom?  Are the bottom 3 are on a function (not F0). I am going to fit a Zimo 21 pin  MX644 which I think should have enough functions. 

Alternatively the wiring could be modified so that the F0 function operates all 4 lights?

Norman

I have read elsewhere that there is a problem with the lights on DCC with only the top lights working with a 21 pin DCC decoder fitted but all four lights working correctly on 12 volt DC analogue.

Has anyone fitted a decoder and is this easily sorted?

Norman