Help on decoders needed

[Bongi66]

Hi
My son has a number of DCC ready 00gauge models, and is keen to put decoders in them to run with his e-link. 

is there somewhere where we can match model numbers to the required decoder or can they be universally applied? 

Many thanks in advance 

Confused  Mum. 

[Chrissaf]

In principle, decoders are universal, but with these caveats.

 

Decoders come in different physical formats. This list is not exhaustive and covers the more common ones.

 

NEM652 8 Pin

MTC21 21 Pin

4 Pin

6 Pin

 

Below are the three DCC Ready socket /decoder types more commonly found in Hornby locomotives. The 8 Pin version on the right being the most prominent type. The 4 pin type in the middle is more commonly found in small Hornby Tank type locomotives with 4 or 6 wheels. The 6 Pin type on the left is very much more specialised and only found in a very small number of Hornby models.

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So the first task is to identify which DCC Ready socket / decoder type the model requires. This is usually stated on the box the model comes in or on any included data-sheet documentation in the box.

 

Once you know the socket / decoder type, then the decoder manufacturer and exact decoder part can be selected.

 

For Hornby

 

• The NEM652 8 Pin decoders are the R8249 for basic motor / lighting control OR a TTS variant for a decoder with sound. Different TTS [Twin Track Sound] decoders are made for different types and Class of locomotives as the sounds are matched to the loco type. Not all TTS decoder installations are 'plug n play' and usually need some soldering and modelling skills.
• The 4 Pin Hornby decoder [basic motor control only] is the R7274 [or X9659].
• The 6 Pin Hornby decoder [basic motor control plus directional lights option] is the R7150

 

Hornby decoders are very basic and do not have a lot of adjustable features. There are many decoder brands that are totally compatible with Hornby DCC Ready locomotives.

 

Note that inside the loco. The DCC socket connector will have a small connector plugged into it. The function of this connector is to 'pass through' the DC Analogue power from the track to the motor when being used on a DC Analogue controlled layout. This plugged in connector is removed and replaced with the appropriate DCC decoder to convert the locomotive to DCC control. The removed connector should be kept and stored in a safe place as it is useful to help diagnose any future faults.

 

All decoders are shipped from the factory with a default DCC Address set as 003 ... this address should be used first to test the loco and decoder are functioning correctly. Once happy with the outcome of that test, the DCC Controller should be used to change the default 003 address to some uniquely different address. I would suggest for a newbie starting out, that the address used should be restricted to a DCC Address in the DCC Short Address range 001 to 127. Avoiding, of course, the 003 DCC Address.

 

The Hornby eLink does not support the operation of a DC Analogue loco placed on a DCC powered track. Even if it did support DC Analogue operation, it is strongly advised that such an option should not be used, as it risks burning out the motor. Your Son's 'DCC Ready' locomotives should not be placed on the eLink powered track without first being fitted with a decoder.

 

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