Decoder for lighting only

[Train Mad1707822774]

I have a bachmann class 105 dmu obtained off the auction site, it was advertised as dcc fitted. When I tried it out the trailer car lights were not working, I realise I could return it but it is like brand new and I got it for what I think is a very good price.

I did check everything including resetting the decoder with the driving car on the programming track.

I have removed the body which I found suprisingly easy and tried the decoder the other way round just in case, I have come to the conclusion that the decoder is faulty.

I have a few spare decoders including Hornby R8249 and a couple of Gaugemaster Ruby DCC92. I am sure the Hornby decoders will work but would rather use the Ruby DCC92 as they were very cheap, they are 2 function and I was wondering if they would work.

Thank you in advance for any help given.

[Fishmanoz]

The two functions in a 2-function decoder are for directional lighting so it should work.

PS. Don’t be shy about saying eBay.

[Train Mad1707822774]

Thanks for your rapid response I might have a go before I go to bed. I knew having read the rules that it was okay to mention other brands but wasn't sure about eBay.

Thanks again really appreciate your help.

[Train Mad1707822774]

Hello again.

I've fitted the ruby decoder to the trailer car it looks like it's not pushed completely in just sitting a tiny bit proud of the socket, but I didn't want to use too much force.

I've tried it without the body on and the lights work in reverse but not in forward direction, I'm a bit puzzled I know the interior lights have connectors on the roof but didn't think that would make any difference to the direction lights.

I don't want to put the body on and then have to take it off again, I know I said it was easy the first time but that might be beginers luck, I'd watched a youtube video by new junction and copied what he did and it worked a charm only took a minute or so but I'm not sure if I could do it again.

I'll probably leave it till morning now, I'm getting a bit tired and might mess it up.

Thanks again for any further help given I really do appreciate it.

[ColinB]

I use LaisDCC decoders if I need a lighting function on a loco. These are the cheapest DCC decoders you can buy and are ideal for lighting functions. Also it is a good idea to invest in a DCC decoder tester, it makes it a lot easier to figure out if the decoder is working properly. Again LaisDCC make a really cheap one.

[Train Mad1707822774]

I'd put the decoder in the wrong way round, it's working properly now only thing is isn't completely in the socket the plug seems to big. I'm afraid that if I put the body on it's only a matter of time before it comes off. I'll have a bit of a fiddle and see if I can get it to fit better. I might get a lais decoder to try out, the ruby is fine but the plug is just a teeny bit too wide for this purpose.

Thanks again

[Train Mad1707822774]

Hello again.

After using a bit more force to push the decoder in it feels more secure although still not perfect. When I put the body back on the lights weren't working correctly but after removing and refitting the body several times the lights are now working as they should. I am delighted and feel more confident should I need to do something similar again.

The original decoder was fitted the wrong way round so it might be ok although I think I tried reversing it but not sure.

I have been looking at decoder testers as was suggested. Thanks to ColinB for that. I knew about them but thought they were expensive, I'm definitely going to get one just a matter of which one the Lais or the Esu there's not much difference in price.

Thanks again much appreciated.