DCC install using ESU select L series decoder for O scale models

Discussion in 'DCC Control' started by SMR CHRIS, Oct 29, 2018.

  1. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    The latest models to arrive in the SMR O scale Fleet are fitted with a ESU L series Adaptor boards prefitted making the models DCC ready a very big improvement over the previous models from the supplier.
    The models are By Auscision Models they are produced in 1/43.5 scale
    http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/O Scale 48 Class Locomotive.htm
    Prototype is the Goodwin Alco 48 class of the NSWGR
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales_48_class_locomotive
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    So I just happened to have a ESU Select L decoder that I had been given and it’s been looking for a home for a year.
    These Select decoders come blank ready to have a sound file down loaded to them a quick look on the ESU site revealing that a sound file is available for the specific locomotive type so that was a bonus however you do need to have the ESU programmer to be able to upload the sound to the decoder with out it you are out of luck and have a blank decoder.
    I have the ESU programmer and the decoder tester and model emulator so the decoder was pre loaded and some settings adjusted then it was open up the model to see how DCC friendly it was

    And it was basically DCC ready with the OEM adaptor board only missing some connections for the speakers but did have pads to solder to for this. I made a harness for this and soldered to the board.
    The only issue noted was that the motor is wired in reverse to standard practice I found the easiest place to correct this was on the circuit board on the chassis I just transposed the two wires to the motor and job done
    So a very easy install with only Speaker wireing and transpose the motor wires needed.

    The board as seen fitted in the model
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    The other side of the board has switches so the lights and motor can be isolated more for DC mode and one switch for if you install a Keep alive you can isolate it to do programming of the decoder.
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    Board removed from the model to attach a harness for 2 pairs of speaker wiring Sean at the top of photo at P3 location SP1-4

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    There was a surprising amount of room and I was able to install 2 Jaycar 3030 speakers to the body roof and still clear the motor assy the adapter board can be seen at the left in the long hood of the loco without the decoder and the harness for speakers secured to the body side with Kapton tape

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    The decoder installed in the adaptor
    You can see ribbon wiring harnesses that link Circuits for lighting within the model
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    The Chassis has one circuit board at the short hood end this has a multi pin plug that a tether wire to the body’s L series board is connected
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    And this is a video of the 125year anniversary livery model on its first test run
     
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2018
  2. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Edited the photos with marked up photos of circuit boards
    I gots some more modelling time tonight and the second 48 #4821 got a DCC +sound had to sacrifice having sound in one of the 44 class but that will eventually got a Tsunami so no loss and the 44 are a bit big for Moonan Flats anyway
    I noted when running the Green 4836 that the bogies Caught the chassis detail due to the chassis being a little low over the bogies, so whilst the second 48 was apart I adjusted the height the specification is 23.9mm to the buffers centre line the model was at 21mm a 2mm spacer was used to take it to 23mm as when the model was at 23.9 it visually looked wrong and the chassis wiring etc became visible so a compromise at 23mm gave plenty of clearance for the bogies to articulate. Will do the same to the Green 4836
    I also moved the bogie pivot point to the alternative location actually where it should be the position as supplied is I think for easier mounting as has is clear of the drive shaft however the bogies work better have better clearance etc in the other ( alternative) position.
    Video of the pair of 48s in a basic consist


    Again the loco ran in reverse to standard practice so wires can be transposed from the rail supply to the circuit for DC to get to run in the correct direction or if on DCC to motor transposed to rectify as per photo
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    Marked up phot for the DCC adaptor board yellow Speaker wireing connected to the Adaptor board plus light blue is the KA pads in Red the cab light switch that switches from DC to DCC on or function on/off
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    Speakers fitted and ready for decoder

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    Buffer height difference left as supplied right as raised with spacers

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    Last edited: Nov 6, 2018
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  3. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Nice one Chris
     
  4. bobcom52

    bobcom52 Full Member

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    They look and sound nice Chris.
    That's how much I am keeping up with it.... I didn't even know they were coming ( or had just forgot) until Rohan asked me if I had bought one this morning. :>)
    cheers
    Bob
     
  5. Sol

    Sol Full Member

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    Two of them !!! You know a good bank manager then Chris ? :avatar:
     
  6. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    Quality models Chris you must have steely nerves to tinker with them :faint:
     
  7. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    No just just cracked the piggy bank wide open and is very broken now.

    However putting the models in perspective for example I have friends who go out to see a performance’s at theatres in the big smoke spend the weekend so add accommodation a couple of dinners plus other meals Drinks etc etc Sydney isn’t cheap for this sort of thing to them this it’s their hobby/enjoyable and they return home with a nothing but a memory.
    That sort of thing isn’t for me and I get no enjoyment out of it, so for a similar value spend on enjoyment I get somthing that I enjoy for more than a weekend so I see good value

    No nothing like that Ian,
    I figure someone was able to put it all together once so it will go back together again
    Plus I have been repairing models since I was 10 for Hobby shops so it’s just normal to me and DCC Ive been tinkering with basically since it was in its infancy, that I don’t think twice about installing, it even in the models people say it can’t be installed in.
     
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  8. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    Ah that probably explains it … I have heard AC/DCC can have that effect on people :scratchchin:
     
  9. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Excellent Chris. I'll have a couple of locos for you to teach me on soon... ;)

    Cheers, Gary.
     

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