Installed some decoders

Yesterday I installed decoders in three MTL GP35s and hooked up my NCE system to the layout. They all worked great, and except for two broken springs, the installations went as advertised.

John

Did you ever get a reply from the NCE forum as to safe voltage for Z Scale?

Kim Vellore researched the issue and determined we really don't need to reduce the voltage, that the motors could handle it just fine, even if we do choose to run at full blast of a scale 250MPH.

As far as the GP-35's go, they don't run too fast anyways. Once you get a few freight cars behind a loco, you will probably run them at a reasonable scale speed, in which the decoder would be delivering an effective 3-4 volts to the motor. Any faster and you would be worrying about derailments, not a burnt motor.

-Robert

Hi Robert,
Yes, Jeff stated that with the NCE system you don't really need to lower the voltage. I did get their circuit breaker unit in the event of a short. Do you do decoder installations on AZL locos?

John

Today I decided to install a decoder in one of my AZL SD75s. I chose a CT Elektroniks DCX75. Since I won't be using the rear light I removed it, leaving room for the decoder to placed diagonally. Been a while since I soldered such small wires, but it is now pulling a string of grain hoppers around my layout.

John

I'm interested in your circuit breaker John , could you tell me something about it please?
What is the voltage please Robert?
Thanks

Hi Robert,
It is made by NCE (Item EB1)and the retail price is $29.95. Here are the specs from the instruction sheet:

Max. input current: 10 amps
Max. DCC voltage: 22 volts
Short Circuit Response: 16ms-512ms
You can adjust the current trip points from 2.5 amps to 8.0 amps.

Hope this helps,

John