daryl43068 Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Hi all, Does anyone got a wiring diagram for an accessory decoder? Is is as simple as putting your (+) and (-) power connections on and output feeds with a common return? Any help much appreciated!! Many thanks Daryl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady_Ava_Hay Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Hi all, Does anyone got a wiring diagram for an accessory decoder? Is is as simple as putting your (+) and (-) power connections on and output feeds with a common return? Any help much appreciated!! Many thanks Daryl Hi, Daryl. Obvious question but what make of accessory decoder and how come no instructions with it? In general though, you have it about right. The track connections are not polarity sensitive unless you are using more than one decoder in which case Track A and Track B become relevant. If the connections have + and - on them it might be that a separate DC supply is needed. Then, of course, the outputs need to be right for the point motors you are using. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwin_m Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Some are quite happy powered off the DCC track bus. Others can take a separate power supply to power the actual decoder and others again will not work unless connected to a separate supply. At least one (Lenz LS150) requires that its separate power supply is AC not DC. So this question cannot really be answered unless you tell us what decoder your have. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daryl43068 Posted October 25, 2009 Author Share Posted October 25, 2009 Hi guys, I haven't bought a decoder yet, was doing my homework first! Bit of background, I am doing a model of the EWS Executive train and plan to put the decoder in the DVT and plan to run the coach lighting, Central Door Locking lights and the DVT's head and tail lights off one decoder, so would a 4 function decoder be alright? Cheers guys Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwin_m Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 Hi guys, I haven't bought a decoder yet, was doing my homework first! Bit of background, I am doing a model of the EWS Executive train and plan to put the decoder in the DVT and plan to run the coach lighting, Central Door Locking lights and the DVT's head and tail lights off one decoder, so would a 4 function decoder be alright? Cheers guys You need what's known as a function decoder. "Accessory decoder" refers to the items used to drive signals and points. Four functions sounds fine. Something like the TCS FL4 should do the job but check the current consumption (and think about how you will get the wires across) if you plan to run several coaches worth of lights from one decoder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daryl43068 Posted October 25, 2009 Author Share Posted October 25, 2009 You need what's known as a function decoder. "Accessory decoder" refers to the items used to drive signals and points. Four functions sounds fine. Something like the TCS FL4 should do the job but check the current consumption (and think about how you will get the wires across) if you plan to run several coaches worth of lights from one decoder. Cheers Edwin, sorry for the confusion! I'm only running 3 Mk3's semi-pemanantly coupled together, and the connections between the coaches will be made with connections I saw in the latest Model Rail, from DCC supplies I think, cant remember of the top of my head! Thanks again for all your help guys! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian J. Posted October 25, 2009 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 25, 2009 Hi guys, I haven't bought a decoder yet, was doing my homework first! Bit of background, I am doing a model of the EWS Executive train and plan to put the decoder in the DVT and plan to run the coach lighting, Central Door Locking lights and the DVT's head and tail lights off one decoder, so would a 4 function decoder be alright? Cheers guys Ah, you mean 'function-only' decoder, not 'accessory' 'Accessory' decoders are for track side duties such as switching turnout motors, while 'function-only' decoders are for onboard duties where no motor is required such as lighting and the like. Personally I'd use a Hornby R8249 and just not have any motor connected, but that might not work on all DCC systems (mine is Lenz Set 100 and seems to be OK). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady_Ava_Hay Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Personally I'd use a Hornby R8249 and just not have any motor connected, but that might not work on all DCC systems (mine is Lenz Set 100 and seems to be OK). Most decoders won't take programming commands unless there is a motor connected. OK for functions so long as you don't want to change anything but a bit tricky when you want to change address. You can of course put the lights themselves across the motor wires. Adds an extra function for other things. If yopu are only running the coach lighting, even two circuits, surely a motor decoder will do this with a three pole connector between the loco and coaches? Two functions for the loco lights and two for the coaches. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwin_m Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 TCS decoders allow the motor circuit to be mapped to a function button. As the motor circuit gives a lot more current than a function circuit this would be ideal for your coach lighting. I think the "speed" can be set too, so you can adjust the brightness. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Tony_S Posted October 27, 2009 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 27, 2009 Most decoders won't take programming commands unless there is a motor connected. OK for functions so long as you don't want to change anything but a bit tricky when you want to change address. You can of course put the lights themselves across the motor wires. Adds an extra function for other things. ... One of the very cheap Underground Ernie locos (with the body removed)I obtained earlier in the year is useful for this. It is basically an 8 pin socket with motor, headlight and wheels attached. The decoder can be programmed and then put in the motorless coach trailer. I suppose any old chassis with an appropriate socket would do. Tony Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 One of the very cheap Underground Ernie locos (with the body removed)I obtained earlier in the year is useful for this. It is basically an 8 pin socket with motor, headlight and wheels attached. The decoder can be programmed and then put in the motorless coach trailer. I suppose any old chassis with an appropriate socket would do. Put it on Ebay for ??30 starting bid labelled as "DCC Decoder Tester" :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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