DCC Chips

[Crassus]

DCC chips, Can anyone tell me please what sort of chip do I need for a Mallard train. Being rather new to trains and layouts, I worry that if I order a chip I might get a chip for a diesel train. How do we differentiate?

[Howbi]

If you are thinking of using a sound equipped decoder then obviously you would choose one that is specifically produced with the Mallard steam sounds but if you just need a motor decoder then there is no difference between steam and diesel. You will need to establish what type, ie, Direct fit or Harness fitted, 8 pin or 21 pin etc.

Which make and model is your Mallard?

[Bulleidboy]

As Howbi says, we need to know what model Mallard you have - the R**** number will help identify the model. Just to explain a little further to Howbi's reply. If your Mallard is DCC Ready, that meaning it has decoder socket with a blanking plate fitted - you remove the blanking plate to fit the decoder - I believe all Hornby models have 8-pin decoders. A direct fit decoder will replace the blanking plate - no harness, just remove the blanking plate and fit the decoder - making sure that pin No.1 (orange wire) goes into the socket with the No.1 pin usually marked. A decoder with a harness will have the decoder, about three inches of multiple coloured wires with the plug (goes into the socket) on the end - once plugged-in, you will have to carefully fold the wires, together with the decoder and find a space within the loco body to take this. This is why on occasions, a "direct fit" decoder is a better bet.

Hornby Service Sheet HSS 394 deals with R3196,3197,3198,3199,3200 and 3201.

Other A4 service sheets are: HS358C, HSS275E, HSS344 and HSS 256B.

These can be found under the heading of "Support".

This site may also be of some assistance - http://www.bromsgrovemodels.co.uk/decoderinstallation4mm.htm

This is a picture of a "direct-fit" decoder - no harness. This is not Mallard.

[Chrissaf]

Hornby XS models (not current) had 21 pin sockets (MTC21). Some current Hornby short wheelbase locos also have 4 pin or 6 pin decoders. So it cannot be assumed that ALL Hornby locos are 8 pin. But 8 pin is by far in the majority.

[Crassus]

Which make and model is your Mallard?

 

 

Well it's a Hornby, the loco number is 4468, it is the sound decoder I am thinking of buying.

[Chrissaf]

The original question was what was the model number. To clarify, this means the Hornby Rxxxx stock code model number, not the 4468 number on the body.

The Mallard is an A4 Class of loco. The Hornby TTS Sound decoder for a Class A4 is R8107

https://uk.hornby.com/products/tts-sound-decoder-class-a4-r8107

The R number of the Mallard is still important to know, as Hornby have produced a multitude of different Mallard models. Each model will have different degrees of difficulty installing a decoder. So knowing the R number will allow targeted decoder installation advice to be given.