[Happy Hammer]

I have an Ace Trains F8 kit that is just about completed. I am pleased with it, but I would ideally like to add a dcc decoder. Has anyone experience of doing this please? I understand the motor draws 1.5 amps. The decoder I planned to use is a 4 amp Digitrax (DH465 I think!). I will operate the loco as a two rail option. My major concern is the wiring. Without removing the motor it is difficult to see where all the track power is picked up via the wheels. The reader of this will see that I have more ambition than experience! Cheers

 

[34C]

We need some information to provide sensible advice!

First question: does the model run reliably on whatever track you have, when a 12V DC supply is used on the rails?

Second question: does the installed motor have a visible and accessible wire connection to each of the motor terminals?

If the answers to these two questions are both 'Yes', then you are potentially good to install a decoder. While it is useful to know the pick up arrangements and wiring paths for the purpose of future maintenance, it isn't necessary for the immediate requirement of decoder installation.

If either or both of the answers are 'No' then you are into either or both of fault finding or discovery of the construction to obtain access and rectify. Is there a construction diagram with the loco, or available from the kit supplier or kit builder?

What you do in outline if the answers are both 'Yes'. Bear in mind that without sight of the loco and decoder more detailed advice is impossible.

Find a location in the loco where the decoder can be installed. Check decoder manufacturer's advice on mounting decoder and any protection from contact with conducting surfaces, and ensure compliance.

Disconnect the wires from the motor terminals.

Connect these wires one to each of the track supply inputs (Black and Red are commonly used) of the decoder. Best to shrink on some insulation sleeve if soldered joints are made to prevent a short circuit.

Run wires from the motor outputs of the decoder (Grey and Orange) one to each of the motor terminals, again insulating the joints is sensible.

Place the loco on a track connected to the programme output of your DCC system, and follow the system instructions to change the address on the decoder. This is essential to verify that a good installation has been made. If the address change is not possible, do not on any account try the loco on DCC track power.

 

[Happy Hammer]

Thanks for the above. The answers are yes and yes. I assume the decoder will need two inputs from the track pickups via the locomotive's wheels. It is that element that I am unsure of. I can see two feeds from the front driving wheels, but I am unsure if there is any other connection. It would seem unusual to have just two pickup wheels!. Maybe someone has a copy of the ACe Trains wiring diagram for the 8F?

Thanks
John

 

[34C]

...Maybe someone has a copy of the ACE Trains wiring diagram for the 8F?

In your shoes I would contact either the manufacturer or the retailer where the purchase was made.

Having taken a quick look online, ACE Trains appear to be big on TRADITIONAL! and DC but rather short of constructional information, as in nothing to be found; and a distinct absence of DCC related information.