UKMS Digital Services

The third in an occasional series of DCC decoder installations.

Step 1 : Using the screwdriver ease out the front and rear coupler boxes with the short NEM couplers still in them and set to one side. Underneath the couplers at the back of the buffer beams you will see the two body mounting screws (see photo below). Remove and set to one side.



Step 2 : Lift off the main locomotive body.



Step 3 : The decoder plug and socket is located at the front of the locomotive and it is a matter of just lifting out the plug.



Step 4 : Unfortunately Bachmann have not marked pin 1 but it is the front right hand pin as shown in the photo above. This is for the orange wire, so align the decoder plug accordingly and gently push home.

Step 5 : There is plenty of space in the smoke box for both the wires and the decoder so just tuck all this in there, curling the wires up as necessary.

Step 7 : Capacitor Removal - whilst this locomotive may run adequately with the capacitors left in place, personally I remove all capacitors from all motors and boards. I stress this is my preference as my belief is that capacitors are not needed on any DCC installation and can actually be detrimental to smooth running.
Please be aware though that this may void any guarantee from the locomotive manufacturers.



Step 6 : Refit the main body, put the screws back in place and slot the couplers boxes back in.

Step 7 : Off to the test track and check the CV settings. I have found that the best dither settings are CV56 = 2 or 3 and CV57 = 20.

This page last updated on
10 October, 2009