TTS sound decoder

[Goonerjohn]

Hi All,

Can anyone advise on a suitable TTS Sound decoder for Hornby B12 Eastcoast Pullman with select controller.

Thanks.

 

[Chrissaf]

Just be aware that to get the best user experience with a TTS decoder using the Select controller. I would advise you to ensure that if the current firmware is below version 1.5, that you arrange to have the firmware updated by Hornby. Typically a one-off charge of £15. The current firmware being offered by Hornby is version 1.6.

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Version 1.5 added support for the TTS function numbers up to F28. Version 1.6 as well as being suitable for the full range of TTS functions can also, for the first time, write to all the CVs. This is in my opinion essential for TTS decoders, as quite often the motor control algorithm CV needs tweaking to get the best running experience. Only Select 1.6 can do this.

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Look to the very first number that appears on the Select screen when you power it up. This initial displayed number is the firmware version number. 11 is version 1.1.....16 is version 1.6 etc.

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TIP: As a relatively newbie poster, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

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See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

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[Howbi]

The B12 locomotive has two cylinders so a suitable match would be the Hornby class P2, Black 5 or J36 TTS decoders which are in stock with various retailers.........HB

[Goonerjohn]

Thank you both for your Swift replies, my select firmware is 1.1 so i will get it updated.

BTW, is there any Hornby information regarding dismantling the "east coast pullman" for replacing decoder and any maintenance/servicing.

Thanks

[Howbi]

Gj..........I have a recent model B12, R3430 which has the decoder socket in the tender.........this is instructions how to access the socket in the tender and shows space under the weight for the speaker but I and many others prefer to fit a "sugar cube" speaker for better quality sound.........HB

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[Goonerjohn]

Thanks howbiman,

My train houses the decoder, i just need to be sure what screws etc; to remove to separate train body for access.

Thanks.

[Howbi]

Have a look at Service Sheet HSS 324 (in Help &Advice/service sheets) this probably applies to your model but it is fitted with the 4 pin decoder and no 8 pin socket.........you could just solder the relevant 4 wires from the TTS to the 4 pins + heatshrink or cut off the 4pin plug and solder in an 8 pin socket to make fitting and replacing the TTS easier......there will not be room for the supplied round speaker so you will definitely have to source a "sugar cube" speaker of appropriate size such as available from Zimo or Youchoos etc.......HB

[Goonerjohn]

Thanks howbiman,

I've looked at what's available and I'm sure I can manage it.

Do you have any info/advise on what 4 of the 8pin wires are needed.

many thanks

[Chrissaf]

The red and black wires go to the wheel pickups.

The grey and orange wires go to the electric motor.

Those are the four basic wires needed to control the loco.

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The blue & yellow, white wires are for 'Directional Lighting'

The blue & green wires are for the aux function.

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The TTS decoder does not have a purple Aux 2 function wire found on other decoders.

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So if you have no intention of using lighting or the aux function, only the red, black, grey & orange wires are needed.

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Note that the blue wire has a positive power voltage output on it, so take special care to insulate it from touching anything it shouldn't, if not used.

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[96RAF]

To remove the body take out the two screws at the rear of the loco shown in the maintenance sheet above and pivot the body up at the back whereupon it will disengage from the cranked chassis lug at the front seen in Ss324.

 

With regard to the four pin socket. I would disconnect it and its wires and wire in a new eight pin NEM652 socket. You can then plug in your TTS decoder without cutting its plug off.

 

These are readily available pre-wired or bare from many suppliers e.g. https://www.railwayscenics.com/wired-pin-nem-652-dcc-decoder-socket-p-1925.html

 

You could even run the wires back to the tender via a miniature four way plug and socket and put the decoder and speaker in there.