Hornby Class 50 and DCC Decoder

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Chris - 29 Dec 2005 21:37 GMT

Could you let me know your experiences with decoders and the 50? Looking
to chip a new one and was pondering using the plug or direct wiring.
Currently have a Digitrax system with Digitrax, Lenz and TCS decoders.

Chris

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Keith - 29 Dec 2005 22:06 GMT

>Could you let me know your experiences with decoders and the 50? Looking
>to chip a new one and was pondering using the plug or direct wiring.
>Currently have a Digitrax system with Digitrax, Lenz and TCS decoders.
>
>Chris

If you have an early one the board creates a complete short on any
decoder plugged in with the blue wire connected. Hornby will replace
the board but you need to find out before you fry your decoder.

Also the lighting LEDs are all wired with common negative when you
need common positive for DCC. So you have the choice of keeping the
Hornby board (If its the correct version) when your lights will work
but you will be limited to the basic and unrealistic directional
lighting. Or you can ditch the Hornby board and direct wire but you
will have to work over the LED boards to change them to common
positive and that is pretty fiddly but its the method I used.

Keith

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Chris - 30 Dec 2005 13:08 GMT

>>Could you let me know your experiences with decoders and the 50? Looking
>>to chip a new one and was pondering using the plug or direct wiring.
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Keith

It is a new one numbered 50 004 only arrived in the UK two weeks ago. It
seems a shame that they did not use the two extra pins for the
headlights. I will continue my investigation of the circuit board. I had
thought that one of the Digitrax drop ins might work but to no avail.

Chris

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Model Forum / General / Railroads / December 2005

Hornby Class 50 and DCC Decoder