Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 6:38 pm Post subject: 1994 Bachmann Class 46 Decoder Hardwire
1994 Bachmann Class 46 #46 045
Another Class 46 added to my collection today. But before it can operate on the layout, it has to be converted to DCC.
Since there is no DCC scockets fitted to this 1994 model, the chip will have to be hardwired.
The chip choosen was a Bachmann 2 Function Decoder 36-552, as it was all my local modelshop had in stock
A simple circuit board was fitted to the early range of Bachmann Class 46's. Two wires from both bogies to the left & right hand copper contact strips, then two wires directly to the central can motor. The other red, black and white wires are for the lights.
Circuit board removed revealing a nice big heavy chassis.
The chassis has to be modified by removing approx 1/8th inch of metal to allow the chip to be fitted and also to allow the body to be refitted when finished.
To remove the metal, I used a 4" angle grinder and a thin cutting disc. Since I don't have a vice to hold the chassis, I held the chassis in one hand and the angle grinder in the other. Wear protective glasses when performing this action, and be careful not to cut your fingers.
Dcc decoder is now held in place with a strip of tape, and the wires tinned ready to be soldered to their connections.
The decoder wires have now been soldered in place (RED and Black to the Track, Orange and Grey to the motor) heat shrink tubing used to protect the connections from shorting against the metal chassis. Only the lighting wires, (Yellow, white and blue) have not yet been soldered to their connections.
The reason for this is, I wanted to see how well the Bachmann two function decoder would perform.
Performance was dire to say the least. No matter what settings I used, the locomotive would only move off when the controller was set at half power.
The running speed of the locomotive was slow, and it struggled to haul six Mainline Mk1's up the inclines. Needless to say, the decoder will be replaced with a Bachmann Three Function Decoder 36-553, a much better decoder in my opinion.
K9-70 _________________ Close the door, put out the light, you know we won't be home tonight !!
When you ground the chassis i do hope no bits of metal got in the works as this can cause problems also are capacitors fitted to the motor ? _________________
I'll just move this great guide to the DCC OO section. Or I would if I could rememember how to do it.
No problem mate, I wasn't sure what topis to place it in.
upnick wrote:
Quote:
Hi K9-70,
When you ground the chassis i do hope no bits of metal got in the works as this can cause problems also are capacitors fitted to the motor ?
Nope, no bits of metal got into the works, checked it over before fitting the decoder.
I have two identical models of the 1994 Bachmann Class 46 models D181 and this one. Neither of them were fitted with capacitors to the circuit board or motor.
D181 has the Bachmann 3 function decoder fitted (36-553) and runs well.
I think it's more to do with the 2 function decoder not being suited to the locomotive.
K9-70 _________________ Close the door, put out the light, you know we won't be home tonight !!
When I modified my Piko to add lights I used a file to grind the metal down. Don't think I'd risk using an angle grinder as I'd be sure to cut my hand off. I'm terrified of angle grinders anyway and don't think I'd use one even if I had one. For holding the work I bought a little vice that clamps onto the table for under a fiver. _________________ Get off the line Bobby!
http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t184/Poliss_album/
When I modified my Piko to add lights I used a file to grind the metal down. Don't think I'd risk using an angle grinder as I'd be sure to cut my hand off. I'm terrified of angle grinders anyway and don't think I'd use one even if I had one. For holding the work I bought a little vice that clamps onto the table for under a fiver.
The way I held the chassis and used my angle grinder for cutting it was down right dangerous. One slip and I could have easily have lost my fingers. Still it got the job done.
K9-70 _________________ Close the door, put out the light, you know we won't be home tonight !!
From your orginal pictures of the chassis before ''grinding' unless the decoder is overly large would it not have fit in behind the seats of the cab width ways or even remove one of the cab interiors.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Join! (free) 
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
