I enjoyed your video. I'm trying to install a TCS T1 into a Proto 2000 E8/9, my first decoder install! Your presentation was clear, informative and you have a nice speaking voice. I liked the "don'ts" as much as the "dos". Thanks for posting.

I'm planning on DCC install on 2 60+ yr. old Rivarossi and this HELPED IMMENSELY. Thanks

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome. That sounds like a neat project.

Thanks for the info I will purchase another DZ123 decoders and install I also noticed that one motor is wired backwards polarity of the other. Thanks again and keep making these great videos they are very helpful to us newbies to the hobby!!!

THANK YOU! Im converting an old tyco to dcc and this helped a lot. (Im making 131 from bttf 3)

Cool video, you hit the nail on the head, I understand a lot from your instructions, and feel a lot more confident about the instalation of a decoders now, thanks again and just isn't enough, your doing the hobby a great service, I'm looking for more videos for sure! Jack

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I am happy to have helped. I plan on making and posting more video as time permits.

The subject is great but where you excel is in your delivery. Your articulation,pronunciation and speed of speech makes it a pleasure to listen too. Since i started back into the hobby I have listened and watched a lot videos.Many of which could take a lesson.Keep it up. Will E-mail you about an engine I need done. thanks

@3rdShiftHobbies

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Brilliant video and information thank you. I have some very old engine stock from the 1960's and 70's and was wondering if I could convert them when I have time. Your explanation helped a lot and now I know what to look for to see if it is possible.

WOW now I have a great reason to get my ho diesels out and open the top, thank I so much for giving me the courage to do something like that. Really.

thank you for the information on doing an installation on these older locomotives.

That was very helpful. I am new to DCC and I have a lot of DC locos and it will be very helpful.

Great video takes the oooooo factor out of this process, I have several dozen locos to convert and I'm taking my time so much has changed in this area, things seem to be getting simpler as time goes on.

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I am very glad you found it helpful.

Great video, well explained, thanks for that. I am about to build my first ever layout and you gave me plenty to ponder.

@morgannolen8954

3 жыл бұрын

Doen with that layout?

This is extremely helpful

Great video, nice and neat and good information. Thankyou

Great video, professionally done. Thanks for sharing.

Digitrax's website has a decoder selector for any scale and brand. There's also a reverse selector where you can find out which locos are compatible with your Digitrax decoder.

A very nice and informative video. I was planning on installing a DZ126 decoder on a DC Bachmann HO Scale 0-6-0 engine with a smoke unit, light, and tender, yet while I have watched other members of my model railroad club soldering, this is not something I've done myself, and was wondering if anyone had any tips in this regard.

The video was very informative, especially with regards to motor considerations, including the DCC with flywheel. I would like to add that the definition of DCC-ready may differ from one manufacturer to another, especially when compared to their DCC(+sound) counterparts. It is important to note that not all functions will be available in the DCC Ready model after plugging in a decoder of choice. However, this is a relatively rare occurrence in the market.

Thx, the video was most informative

Thank You for great video

This is a very nice presentation. Helped me so much. Thanks for posting. I equipped 4 old dc locomotives with decoders and it was very fun doing this, and economic as well.

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

+Jean Figaro You are very welcome! I am glad this video help you. If there is anything you need please feel free to contact(email is best).

thanks for a great video. you have helped me tremendously.

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

+Pedro Pons You are very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

This was very helpful! I am thinking about installing dcc on my bachmann bnsf gp40-2

@hydraulicsaint7225

4 жыл бұрын

How did that go? I'm interested in doing that, myself.

thanks for this informative video

In your video you mentioned to keep it clean and organized. Can you tie wires together to route them in a more organized fashion with maybe some sewing thread to act as a zip loc application?

well, I'm very far in the Indian Ocean where there's practically no model railroaders...I buy equipment from the US market and it takes two weeks to arrive with high shipping costs...extremely hard. But I love that hobby

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

+Jean Figaro It is fun!

@No_no83

8 жыл бұрын

Oh YES!!!!!!!!!

I had recently converted a couple of my blue box Athearn engines to DCC. I did replace the old motor with a Genesis motor and a NCE decoder to be able to run them on the clubs track that I belong to. I had one of my friends show me how to do it and it was pretty simple. All together with all the parts. It was less then 75 dollars per engine and well worth it. They run a lot better and more fun with the DCC change.

Wow! VERY informative!

I have a Bachmann F7 A locomotive and was wondering what type of pin it would be to change it to DCC

I have a DCC decoder in a GP7 Athearn blue box engine. I’d like to add sound to an Athearn dummy to run as a lash up. Do you have a video that explains how to do that? Thank you

You didn't mention, unless i missed it that an Athearn RTR has 2 ways of connecting a decoder... The way you showed with the 9 Pin Harness orrrrrr... plugging in the 8 pin like you did on the other Loco. Other than that a very good video! Thumbs Up!

Great video thanks

I have installed a Digitrax decoder in a Tyco diesel switcher, but the motor doesn't run. The lights work but not the motor. Mine is from the 1970's and I mainly wanted to test out the decoder installation process. Did you have to do anything unusual to get it to work?

Great tutorial, thank you.

Ok, so I have a Bachmann Rail Chief HO scale set, and I can't figure out how to even get the shell off the loco. It's a BNSF GP40-2R #3001. Also, will locos from sets convert to DCC?

Can I install a 9 pin decoder on the Athearn SD75I (old model)?

I have a 2 old n-scale dc Con Cor PA-1’s (powered) and one PB-1 dummy. I want to add dcc/sound to #1 and dcc control only to the #2 with the dummy in the middle housing the dcc decoders. My question(s),... can this be done, and if so, what are the cheapest but reliable decoders to use? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Good video, its making sense to me now :)

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

+Conraildan Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you very much for the briliant information. I do have an old locomotive but it draws up to 5amps when it starts to run and it was told to me that I cannot install a decoder due to that problem. Any advice anyone? Please.

I have a Kato GP35 phase1b is there a particular decoder for this brand of locomotive or is the one you use in your demonstration suitable? I've read some information on other sites that don't have any video. The script doesn't mention about isolating the motor. I hoping to make a consist with an Athearn Genesis GP38-2 with DCC and sound

I have a Atlas "Red Box/Silver Series" AT&SF Kodachrome C30-7 that has an 8 pin DCC plug, Would TCS Motor control or Soundtraxx MC Series Decoders be sufficient?

thanks alot in going to take an invtoy of what the brand names are and take it from there

I have a Walthers Trainline Dash 8-40BW (item 931-197 if anyone is curious), what is the best way to convert it to DCC?

Wow.. I been collecting train items for years for that layout I plan to build. I have I know 100 engines ALL dc.. I like the functions/options of DCC so I have some work to do whether it be selling off 75% of my engines and buying fewer DCC engines or adding DCC to my dc engines.... tough call.

could you provide a link to the "Wiring Lights and Resistors" or provide an image of the chart for download. Thanks

It would be nice to see a video of understanding continuity tester on testing the locomotive before installing DCC. Thank you for sharing this video. I would like to learn this the right way the first time. Rather then being ignorant knowing nothing and burning out the DCC.

hello I have a. Ho dda40x brand bachmann is a DCC on board but it has no sound where I can buy it?

Not sure if you're still active but hoping for some help/advice. Going to hang from my ceiling my old Lionel James Gang steam engine set. Started wondering if it was possible to retrofit that engine for DCC of some sort and add smoke, lights, sound to it? Can it be done? If so, how? Anyone know?

Great instructional video. But exactly does "isolating the motor from track power" mean? If a model locomotive is removed from the tracks, then the locomotive motor has been isolated from track power (for any model locomotive that is powered by track voltage). But I don't think that's what he meant by "isolation from track power".

I got a 30 year old Tyco engine I like to see if that can be converted to a DCC

[thank, you for youre video]👍

First I’d like to great video! I have that same IC blue box in your vid, only it’s road #9437 and it’s my very first from childhood. I have a question about a new walthers mainline GE ES44AC KCS locomotive with the ESU loksound decoder. I’m returning to the hobby and only run DC because it’s all i’m familiar with it. I bought this one because it can be operated in either mode. I fear the decoder may have been damaged or something else is preventing electrical picked. I ran it on the old brass track with two other older athearn locomotives, and it suddenly jumped a few times and will not respond at all upon voltage increase on pack(MRC 1370). would you happen to know if a short somewhere has caused this and If it actually is decoder related? any help would be appreciated Thank you sir

I'm installing a 4 pin DCC into a tiny train. First time I am trying this. Instructions say wrap insulation tape in the metal pocket so it doesn't hurt the decoder. Do I line the walls with electrical tape ? What about the bottom ? Thanks

In European Bachmann locos are 21 pins

I like your video and I have some dc engine I what to put DCC decode in I have 1 eye to see to do the work will that work? or 2 eye work if 2 eye work then I do not know if I can do the work without help?

i enjoyed the video on wiring decoder.., i have not understood some engines i bought say DCC ready or "on Board" DCC and they still do not perform he functions listed. i'm starting to understand and may install a few decoders myself thanks for the video.

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

Troy, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Factory decoders are sometimes lacking in the quality and function availability department.

How old is your locomotive? I have a Bachmann locomotive that is roughly 10 years old, would I be able to fit in a dcc decoder in it?

Viewed the How to Install a DCC Decoder in Any Locomotive but cannot locate the follow up video showing the installation of the decoder. Link please! Thanks!

Hey I need that exact fly wheel I am fixing one of my trains it runs all I need is a fly wheel do you know we’re I can get one online

how much do u charge to install a decoder on a loco ?

Absolutely a great instruction video ! - Thank you sir for providing it. - However, that one and the other's do look like HO scale engines. If so, then do the same decoder chips and wiring procedures also work in the N Scale locomotive engines? And, if so, are they just as easy to install in the N Scale locomotive engines?

@3rdShiftHobbies

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The wiring is the same regardless of scale. However, with N scale most decoder manufacturers make drop in boards that do not require the installer to run any wires. Older N scale locos will need the motor isolated, which can be tricky in the smaller scales.

I got a train that's dcc equipped but its not making noise

What about a GE Dash 9?

You just won another subscriber. A very nice and detailed explanatory video. But I just had one question about the functions of the other five wires(apart from the black, red, orange and grey wires) and how to connect them ? All I know of the other 5 wires is that the yellow goes to Rear light, white to the Front light and the other ends of both the lights are connected to the blue or the common wire but I am confused about which end of the LED lights is to connect to the blue wire ? And what functions do the green and purple wires correspond to?

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

The other wires connect to any other light functions that you want to connect them to(strobes, ditch lights, ect.). There is a cheat sheet that I use for connecting LED's. It shows resistor values and also shows which wires go where on the LED. It can be found here. tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Technical_Info/Tech_Manuals/WiringLights.pdf

@amittrains3736

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Will definitely try it out. :)

@RobertBrownATX

Жыл бұрын

Apparently TCS has taken that page down. Upon learning about it from you I downloaded and printed it out. I used it on each loco I converted. I didn’t use it for awhile and it’s misplaced. I have been all over for it online but haven’t found it. If you know of any location would you please post it. I agree with all the others, your overall video is one of the best, if not the best, on DCC conversions.😊

Question: I have and old bachmann spectrum GE44 ton switcher with dual motors I am planning on adding a digitrax DZ123 decoder in do you have any advice or info on installing one with a dual motor loco?

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

+Andrew “NS VA Trainlover” Linster The best way would be to use one decoder for each motor. The DZ123 is for Z scale and I do not believe it is enough decoder for two motors. It is possible(but not recommended) to wire two motors to one decoder. The peak amp rating of the decoder has to be enough to handle both. In HO scale that would be about 2A peak current. One more thing to consider, the built in BEMF in the decoder will not know which motor is "talking" to it and will be unable to respond properly. It could result in a very poor running loco.

I have many old trains , I don't think many people have see it? I will send you a video clip hope you could help me what's year it made and model of them.

As you said you install decoders for a living. How do I get in contact with you and I have quite a few to be installed.. do have a lot of decoder buddys and speakers.. what is the price to put together... again How can I contact you thanks, joe

How would installing a decoder work in a Rivarossi engine that gets it's power through the tender? I have a few like that, and I'm curious as to exactly how that would work. Thanks!

@3rdShiftHobbies

6 жыл бұрын

CJ Tocco You would have to connect one of the pickup wires to the tender and one to the locomotive. I do not remember which rail the older Rivarossi tenders picked up, so I do not want to say whether it would be the red or black wire.

I recently purchased a Athearn SD70MAC What would be the best decoder? What about sound?

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

+taylor dianoski I would take a look at a TCS WOWKit. store.3rdshifthobbies.com/tcs-wowkit-wdk-ath-3-1770.html Or ESU LokSound store.3rdshifthobbies.com/esu-loksound-select-direct-73700.html Both come with free installation and ESU decoders come with free lifetime updates.

And what about the ligts? My decoder is a Bachmann E-Z Command, two functions. In the pins layout I find that yellow wire is function B, rear headlight and wire white is funciton A, front headlight. But I don't see the return (gnd) wires for those lights.

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

Yes. White is for the front light and Yellow is for the rear light. Blue is the common for all light functions. You may need to install a resistor for the headlight. If your locomotive it is a newer Athearn with the light bulb mounted in the shell it is a 1.5V bulb and will need a resistor. If it is mounted on a metal bracket that is attached to the frame it is a 12V bulb and it will not need a resistor.

Hi, I'm new to this hobby and I am afraid of damaging the loco while disassembling it, i.e. taking the body out. Is it fixed by screws? I wish to convert my Athern F7, thanks!

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

If it is a newer Athearn. The screw in the front coupler will have to be removed. There are tabs on each side near the fuel tank that holds the shell on. Gently pry out on the sides of the shell near the tabs to release the shell from the chassis and the shell can be lifted straight up.

Hello again just wanted to update with you on the dual motor/decoder installation it works just not good...the decoders are like they are not in sync with each other one motor will start turning the other starts about 5-10 seconds later.. Maybe if an ho decoder with 1.5 amps operating voltage would be better the cab seems to be large enough to fit a little larger decoder than the 2 DZ123's. I did manage to try a soundtraxx MC2h104AT it fit w/o being to visible in the cab the response was smoother and it seems to be enough power to run both small motors... Just wanted to ask your advice on this idea?

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

The larger decoder should work just fine. This might help if you decide to keep it the way you have it. The dual decoder setup usually requires some fine tuning to get them in sync with each other especially with Digitrax decoders(I tend to prefer TCS decoders for this reason). Normally what I do with these is to set the long address on both of them the same (loco number) and the short addresses to different values (i.e. 3 and 5) then it is easy to switch to the short addresses when you need to make CV changes to one decoder. Then set up a consist using the short addresses to test your changes. Then when all is well and good switch them back to the long address for operation.

I know that the specs for dz123 says 2 amps peak 1 amp normal but I guess I should get another but I was worried about the space in the loco which isn't very much to work with

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

+Andrew “NS VA Trainlover” Linster That is a very small loco. My main concern would be overheating the decoder just because of the size of the decoder. It doesn't have much of a heat-sink even though it is rated for 2A. The silver lining is by using two decoders you will have some extra functions for strobes, ect.

Steve Dunning UK. What is the name or type of tape you use in your video for insulation. From the video I thought it said "Capton" tape but it was not clear.

@T4john

5 жыл бұрын

It is Kapton tape. Electrically insulating but thermally conductive in thin layers. Kapton is a DuPont trade name for polyimide film.

I'm not sure about the motors though. DC ? VS AC in the DCC system. Any issues?

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

+Jay Locker No. The AC in the DCC system is rectified by the decoder. The motor only receives DC voltage.

I have a SD45 Seaboard System by Walthers and im wondering how to find the decoders, where do you buy them?

@aoturneriii

7 жыл бұрын

I believe that locomotive has a 9 pin plug in it. Any decoder with a 9pin JST connection should work. Such as these decoders. store.3rdshifthobbies.com/dcc-decoders/tcs/t-series-decoders

Can You install a decoder for Me in my Athearn Bluebox F45 Diesel I also have an FP 45 Athearn Bluebox and a Bachmann 2003 GP40 Diesel What would you charge to do it for Me?

Ok great video. Now a question from a newbie. What about sound? How do I get the sound working? Thanks

@3rdShiftHobbies

3 жыл бұрын

Sound decoders install the exact same way. With the exception of finding a location for the speaker and connecting the two wires from the decoder to the speaker. If you need further assistance please send an email to info@3rdshifthobbies.com.

How do you install a dcc decoder in a boxcab locomotive?

I spent an hour looking for the led chart that you showed but can’t find it. Can you help or give me a little more info

@3rdShiftHobbies

3 жыл бұрын

Send me an email info@3rdshifthobbies.com and I will send you the pdf.

Im trying to install sound in my dcc bachmann J class loco from the cavalier set. What would be my best decoder/ speaker?

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

I would recommend a TCS WOWSteam WOWKit. I sell them for $116.96 which does include installation.

@SRRC245

7 жыл бұрын

3rd Shift Hobbies thanks!

So I know this video is 4 years old, but nonetheless... Will this work for the Bachmann Thomas the Tank Engine models.

I have EMD DD40 with two moters, how do i install decoders in this locomotive, kan eneybody help me ?

@russellloomis4376

4 жыл бұрын

Were you able to figure out how to wire your locomotive? 🚂

Hi mate the dcc chip will working whit any dcc controllers or not ... thank you

@flyboy2610

4 жыл бұрын

If the decoder and the DCC controller both adhere to NMRA standards, they will work together. Pretty much anything you buy in the USA (MTH excepted) will adhere to NMRA standards.

well that isn really what i asked u but good to know but how much is it for the decoder an to install it on an h.o hardwire

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

For a basic 2 function decoder such as a TCS T1 it would be $26.31. That includes installation. You can visit store.3rdshifthobbies.com to view a wide selection of decoders.

When you buy a decoder, does it come with the wiring harness or is that something you'll have to buy separately?

@3rdShiftHobbies

3 жыл бұрын

It depends on which decoder you buy. However, most do come with a harness.

the problem i have it's a model power c420, has no plug for dcc decoder . The wires go straight to the motor from the wheels.Also the loco is like 4 or 5 years old. hop you can help.

@aoturneriii

7 жыл бұрын

Sounds like an easy one. Send me an email with a photo of the loco with the shell removed. info@3rdshifthobbies.com

@cov3026

7 жыл бұрын

what's your email account?

@aoturneriii

7 жыл бұрын

info@3rdshifthobbies.com

Just remember when so called upgrading to DCC that you are on purpose making your Locomotives much harder to access for general maint than it used to be. Be careful how you wire everything and do a very good job to make it as easy on yourself later as possible. Even DCC Loco's need gear & motor cleaning and PM no less or more than before so keep this in mind, it's easy to get a birds nest going into this if you just slap and solder everything together ;)

Can you please put out part 2 to this video showing the actual install? I love this video and it really helps, but the actual install of the decoder would be even more helpful! thanks!

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm glad this video has helped you. I am currently working on a few more videos. I will see if I can get a part 2 together sometime soon.

@thomasgaither7310

8 жыл бұрын

Ok cool! Thanks! Even if it's not with the exact same locomotive, it would be great if it was with another one of the Athearn Blue Box locos!

@michaelstanco8508

6 жыл бұрын

as he spent a great deal of time and was enormously helpful and I do appreciate this video what is the point in going 85 percent of the way show us how the motor comes out show u insulating it show us the soldering of the wires PLEASE.

hi could this be done in N sacle

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

Yes. What do you have that needs a decoder?

You do install DCC professionally correct? If so, how much per locomotive?

@3rdShiftHobbies

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. Installations are priced flat rate, which includes the decoder, any misc. items(leds, speakers, ect.), installation, programming, testing, and return shipping. Specific pricing depends on the locomotive and whether you want sound or straight DCC. Let me know what locomotive you have and what you would like and I will get you an exact price. You can also contact me via email at info@3rdShiftHobbies.com. Thank you.

can you send your engine in and have some one install the decoder thanks for the video

@3rdShiftHobbies

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, contact me via email or through the contact form on my website, 3rdShiftHobbies.com

Can I send you mine Bachmann e60 Locomotive so you guys can install a sound decoder?

@aoturneriii

7 жыл бұрын

Sure can. Just send me an email with all of the details of what you would like. info@3rdshifthobbies.com

can you make a video on doing this with a n scale

@3rdShiftHobbies

8 жыл бұрын

I would be very happy to do a video of an N Scale install. I just need someone to need an N scale decoder installed. Everything in this video also applies to N scale. The biggest issues are finding a place to put the decoder and isolating the motor.

@donharjung5520

7 жыл бұрын

3rd Shift Hobbies How about g scale? Will the HO decoder work?

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

Most HO decoders are only capable of 2A. G scale locomotives generally require much more(up to 5A). There are some G scale decoders on the market. I sell TCS and ESU G scale decoders.

Does anyone know which is the software he mentions in this part? kzread.info/dash/bejne/lpyivJSrnLjPhKQ.html

I've received a Bachmann N scale GP 40 and I don't know if I can dcc it

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

+Sorenium Yes, that can be done. In case you don't feel comfortable doing that, I offer free installation with all decoder purchases.

@soren855

7 жыл бұрын

Do I mail it in?

@soren855

7 жыл бұрын

Could I also mail in a decoder of my own

@3rdShiftHobbies

7 жыл бұрын

+Sorenium Yes, I can do that for you. Send me an email and I can go over the details with you. info@3rdshifthobbies.com

@williammitchell3566

7 жыл бұрын

3rd Shift Hobbies

Nice video but would be really useful if you actually did step by step on put it in and everything

Any locomotive? What about a Bachmann gandy dancer? >:)

@aoturneriii

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, any locomotive. A handcar would not be considered a locomotive. Maybe someday someone will make a decoder small enough to fit in a handcar.

@SMTMainline

6 жыл бұрын

some one already has, they make a separate car that rides behind it with the decoder it's made to look like supplies, brilliant really.

Are you guys still in business? I tried both of the link provided and I got error messages.

@3rdShiftHobbies

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. The hosting company we use updated the software on our server and it crashed our websites. I am working on getting a new site up and running. It is a slow process. However, our email is still working for customers to contact us.

@andrewluchsinger

3 жыл бұрын

@@3rdShiftHobbies Thank you for the update.

stay alives are nice as I am a total newbie all that wiring electro frog stuff in turnouts is a bit intimidating. take it locos with stay a live don't care about frogs haha