Just love your videos. Always look forward to the tech videos on this channel and this is great. This part of the hobby has had huge advancements over the years but changes so much with innovations so hard to keep up. Thank you on keeping us all updated on all the new tech.
Excellent presentation, Larry. The addition of connecting PowerPacs to ESU LokSound decoders on the new Decoder Buddy is great news. I just recently installed a LokSound 5 (wired) and PowerPac in an Intermountain U18B. Connecting the three wires to the decoder was not easy because of the very small and close solder pads on the decoder. I'm getting an Atlas B30-7 which has QSI , and I'm going to replace the decoder with a LokSound 5. The Decoder Buddy will make it much easier. As for the new Current Keeper 2, I've used them (and the original as well). They work well, and the shorter length of the new one is helpful. However, I have also used the new TCS KA-1 and KA2 in many SoundTraxx engines I have because of how very small these are.
I’m glad that you’re covering DCC fitting. I’m going to have to fit decoders in some of my DC locomotives so that I can run trains on the club DCC layout.
Which locos? I am mainly doing steam although I do have one diesel-GWR Flying Banana. I have shown how I do the steam installs in the 0-6-0 PTs and the GWR 1363.
@@TheDCCGuy Well, I’m using steam locomotives, and running a model Steam Gala at Ongar Station in 00 gauge. A lot of my locomotives need sound chips!! I have all of the following: Pitchford Hall, Hawthorne Leslie Isabel, a couple of J94s in different liveries, a D16/3, an already sound chipped Standard 4 Tank (4-6-2) and Green Arrow.
I'm kinda new to a lot of the "advanced electronics"(aka decoders) and was wondering if the decoders by Digitrax that have a capacitor attached to it is a keep alive device?
These offer a little keep alive ability but not much. However if you are running HO or larger then you may not have to worry. I only install keep alives in short wheelbase switchers and some steam locos but only if they give me trouble. Most HOP diesels have a long enough wheelbase and weight to get over dirty spots and even unpowered frogs. N scale is another issue since they rarely have enough room for a keep alive.
Gezz Larry you make my day, Question; I have 7 Stewarts with Pwr B's would you still suggest soundtrax PMP (?) you used in your install video OR this new V5 Decoder buddy advantage/ disadvantage thoughts? 1000 thanks buddy .
I have about 6 PNPs stashed for more installs and may buy more. They really are an economical method to add power and sound to a wide range of locomotives. However they will not fit in any of the old LifeLike E6/7/8/9 or PA locos. That’s where a combination of the Decoder Buddy Mini and a ECO 21 PNEM will do the job-I hope.
In a previous video, if I recall correctly, you stated that the TCS keep- alive was the smallest one available, so why would you want to deal with the ESU 3 wire style for a non-ESU decoder? Suggestion: put a millimeter ruler next to these small items in oder to show their sizes.
He did say that the third wire allows the stayalive to be turned off during programming and I also know you can program these stayalives using CVs thanks to that third wire. Cheers!
Actually I have never been able to get an answer from ESU as to whether their 3 wire Power Pack stay alives are compatible with non ESU decoders and not wanting to kill either a decoder or a Power Pack I have not attempted such a combination. Consequently I would not advise trying it. I would only use the 3 wire stay alives with ESU or Lenz decoders and 2 wire ones with the other stuff. The main point is that ESU has gotten very hesitant about honoring their warranty if they believe a non ESU stay alive was used with a damaged decoder. This new Decoder Buddy makes it very easy to connect a 3 wire stay alive to a ESU 21 pin decoder.
Hi Larry - I know you're describing DCC Decoders for HO scale. What do you recommend for N-Scale? I have about 6 to 8 Mini-Trix Pacific's and none of the DCC websites Decoder finders include Mini-Trix. Any suggestions?
There is a guy who is able to fit a Decoder Buddy Mini with a decoder installed and the 21 pins trimmed to the top of the decoder’s plastic connector into an N Scale locomotive tender. Might be worth looking into.
There are a number of options for steam since many mobile only decoders are very small and will fit easily on tenders. “mini” size versions of the Soundtraxx Tsunami2 or the ESU LokSound decoders paired with a small sugar cube speaker. For larger tenders a small oval speaker is an option. I installed a Tsunami2 and flat oval into an N-scale long haul tender which even had room for a TCS KA1 Keep Alive. This combination was a game changer since it cured the stop and go behavior of the loco. However the stay alive option may nor work in small tenders.
Hi Larry huge fan of your videos do you have a place where I can order peco # 6 turnouts? I am starting a dream layout and can't find turnouts anywhere
I bought all my Peco turnouts for the modules on eBay and saved a lot. Matter of fact I buy lots of stuff on eBay including track, cork, Tortoises, decoders, locomotives.
There are a variety of decoders of different sizes and different numbers of functions, etc to make it easier to fit them in different locos. This also allows the companies to offer a range of decoders at different prices. This is a case where one size or type doesn’t fit all.
Just love your videos. Always look forward to the tech videos on this channel and this is great. This part of the hobby has had huge advancements over the years but changes so much with innovations so hard to keep up. Thank you on keeping us all updated on all the new tech.
Mr. Puckett, thanks for your information. Great information and will be using your info. Great that Soundtraxx has a smaller come along. Again thanks.
Hi Larry, thank you for the superb discussion and review of the Decoder Buddys! My version of yard work hasn’t reached Vermont yet. Thanks again!
Thanks Larry, I enjoy and learn from your Videos so much. 🐾🚂 BearCreek RR, KY.
Excellent presentation, Larry. The addition of connecting PowerPacs to ESU LokSound decoders on the new Decoder Buddy is great news. I just recently installed a LokSound 5 (wired) and PowerPac in an Intermountain U18B. Connecting the three wires to the decoder was not easy because of the very small and close solder pads on the decoder. I'm getting an Atlas B30-7 which has QSI , and I'm going to replace the decoder with a LokSound 5. The Decoder Buddy will make it much easier.
As for the new Current Keeper 2, I've used them (and the original as well). They work well, and the shorter length of the new one is helpful. However, I have also used the new TCS KA-1 and KA2 in many SoundTraxx engines I have because of how very small these are.
I’m glad to see that adding DCC is actually being covered. I’m going to have to add decoders to some of my locomotives too!!
I’m glad that you’re covering DCC fitting. I’m going to have to fit decoders in some of my DC locomotives so that I can run trains on the club DCC layout.
Which locos? I am mainly doing steam although I do have one diesel-GWR Flying Banana. I have shown how I do the steam installs in the 0-6-0 PTs and the GWR 1363.
@@TheDCCGuy Well, I’m using steam locomotives, and running a model Steam Gala at Ongar Station in 00 gauge. A lot of my locomotives need sound chips!! I have all of the following: Pitchford Hall, Hawthorne Leslie Isabel, a couple of J94s in different liveries, a D16/3, an already sound chipped Standard 4 Tank (4-6-2) and Green Arrow.
I'm kinda new to a lot of the "advanced electronics"(aka decoders) and was wondering if the decoders by Digitrax that have a capacitor attached to it is a keep alive device?
These offer a little keep alive ability but not much. However if you are running HO or larger then you may not have to worry. I only install keep alives in short wheelbase switchers and some steam locos but only if they give me trouble. Most HOP diesels have a long enough wheelbase and weight to get over dirty spots and even unpowered frogs. N scale is another issue since they rarely have enough room for a keep alive.
Gezz Larry you make my day, Question; I have 7 Stewarts with Pwr B's would you still suggest soundtrax PMP (?) you used in your install video OR this new V5 Decoder buddy advantage/ disadvantage thoughts?
1000 thanks buddy .
I have about 6 PNPs stashed for more installs and may buy more. They really are an economical method to add power and sound to a wide range of locomotives. However they will not fit in any of the old LifeLike E6/7/8/9 or PA locos. That’s where a combination of the Decoder Buddy Mini and a ECO 21 PNEM will do the job-I hope.
Larry needs more likes please
In a previous video, if I recall correctly, you stated that the TCS keep- alive was the smallest one available, so why would you want to deal with the ESU 3 wire style for a non-ESU decoder?
Suggestion: put a millimeter ruler next to these small items in oder to show their sizes.
He did say that the third wire allows the stayalive to be turned off during programming and I also know you can program these stayalives using CVs thanks to that third wire.
Cheers!
Actually I have never been able to get an answer from ESU as to whether their 3 wire Power Pack stay alives are compatible with non ESU decoders and not wanting to kill either a decoder or a Power Pack I have not attempted such a combination. Consequently I would not advise trying it. I would only use the 3 wire stay alives with ESU or Lenz decoders and 2 wire ones with the other stuff. The main point is that ESU has gotten very hesitant about honoring their warranty if they believe a non ESU stay alive was used with a damaged decoder. This new Decoder Buddy makes it very easy to connect a 3 wire stay alive to a ESU 21 pin decoder.
Hi Larry - I know you're describing DCC Decoders for HO scale. What do you recommend for N-Scale? I have about 6 to 8 Mini-Trix Pacific's and none of the DCC websites Decoder finders include Mini-Trix. Any suggestions?
There is a guy who is able to fit a Decoder Buddy Mini with a decoder installed and the 21 pins trimmed to the top of the decoder’s plastic connector into an N Scale locomotive tender. Might be worth looking into.
Check out Model Train Technology. He has many videos on N Scale installations.
There are a number of options for steam since many mobile only decoders are very small and will fit easily on tenders. “mini” size versions of the Soundtraxx Tsunami2 or the ESU LokSound decoders paired with a small sugar cube speaker. For larger tenders a small oval speaker is an option. I installed a Tsunami2 and flat oval into an N-scale long haul tender which even had room for a TCS KA1 Keep Alive. This combination was a game changer since it cured the stop and go behavior of the loco. However the stay alive option may nor work in small tenders.
Locsound is the best sounding decoder, but that's the one thing that aggravating about them! The extra crap, like the white wire.
Hi Larry huge fan of your videos do you have a place where I can order peco # 6 turnouts? I am starting a dream layout and can't find turnouts anywhere
I bought all my Peco turnouts for the modules on eBay and saved a lot. Matter of fact I buy lots of stuff on eBay including track, cork, Tortoises, decoders, locomotives.
@@TheDCCGuy thanks I will look into it keep up the great vids
Great video but I still don’t understand why there are so many different components. Cant someone just make a one piece board?
There are a variety of decoders of different sizes and different numbers of functions, etc to make it easier to fit them in different locos. This also allows the companies to offer a range of decoders at different prices. This is a case where one size or type doesn’t fit all.
Switch Machine? I’m an Englishman and think of what you’re calling a switch machine as a point motor.