Best TTS decoder for a dc Hornby Class 25 conversion to DCC

[jujuchocho]

Hi there, first post on the forum.

As far as i'm Hornby don't make a TTS decoder for the class 24/25 models and I want to convert a favourite DC train of mine. Can anyone recommend or suggest a TTS decoder that would be close alternative for me to use? Loksound make them but I dont really want to purchase and chop around a £120 decoder so id like to atempt this conversion with a cheaper TTS.  I've also noticed that the Hornby decoders are becoming a bit thin on the ground at the moment but any advise would be appreciated.

Thank you  

[Chrissaf]

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[Wobbley Junction]

There's a very good video on U-tube about converting the Class 25 to dcc, I used it when I converted mine, but didn't put a sound chip in. You may find that any tts decoder might not be happy with the current draw of the old motor. I wired in a harness as there's plenty of room, then you wouldn't have to chop up an expensive decoder. I used a Zen Blue which seems to handle the current ok.

Hope this helps

Daryl

[ColinB]

I would endorse that about TTS decoder and current. Once I found out that they had a current limit, so I knew it wouldn't blow up I decided to put one in my Lima class 66. It kept stopping and starting as it hit supposely the current limit. It must have been that as when I put back the original decoder (not Hornby as I needed a higher current limit) it went back to working perfectly ok. I did put one in a 5 pole ringfield based HST but that failed due to overheating. So if it is not a modern loco with a low current motor, I would forget TTS.

If you do want to go with sound then you can get Zimo sound decoders for less than £100 and CoastalDCC do LokSound decoders for considerable less than the £120. There are alo a load of generic ones that are about £75.

[jujuchocho]

There's a very good video on U-tube about converting the Class 25 to dcc, I used it when I converted mine, but didn't put a sound chip in. You may find that any tts decoder might not be happy with the current draw of the old motor. I wired in a harness as there's plenty of room, then you wouldn't have to chop up an expensive decoder. I used a Zen Blue which seems to handle the current ok.

Hope this helps

Daryl

Thank you and sorry for late reply. I will search for that Class 25 Utube video. I've orderd a class 47 TTS chip to convert my Dc hornby class 47. Following a U tube video for instructions however the guy is using a lima 47 not Hornby but it cant be that diffent. 

[Wobbley Junction]

Glad to help, you'll also need a couple of white led's and resistors to replace the headcode lights, the advantage of using a harness comes into its own in this case as you dont have to solder anything onto the chip. 

Daryl