Hornby way to convert to DCC

Hi All.   I keep reviewing the Hornby DCC conversion instructions , but cannot understand why if you are installing a DCC Decoder , why do Hornby insist? on replacing the “ three TV suppreors or whatever”. I really want to begin converting my DC Locos to DCC , and I want to do a good job first time without damaging Decoders.Best wishes. Kevin

Kevin, have you got the link to those Hornby instructions?

Sorry, just found one & why they say to put the capacitors/suppressors back into the circuit can only be to protect their decoders but normally they are not needed.

Leave them off!!

Hi Kevin,

You shouldn't need them. I believe nearly all decoders have noise suppression circuitry built in, and there were early reports of interference (with I think BEMF control). That said, most decoders seems to take it in their stride. I have always removed the noise suppression bits and pieces.

I nearly always junk the circuit board on older models as well, as it usually controls a lot of unnecessary resistors for constant lighting with DC and usually occupies space that could have a speaker. Easy enough to hard wire an 8 or 21 pin DCC board where you want it.

Nigel

Hi Ron. Thank you for your reply. I was hoping that you would say something like that. Maybe they are being cautious ?     Best wishes.   Kevim

Hi Nigel.   Thank you as well. I better have a go? it is the only way to learn.   Best wishes. Kevin

Hornby probably don't want to come right out and recommend removing the built in suppression since it is a EU regulation and they could get into trouble, or so their legal folk are likely saying.  I suppose one fear is that if the loco goes back to DC, it won't have any suppression at all.

Capacitors should be mounted on the jumper board in my opinion and I've seen that on some of my more recent acquisitions.

Today I would say all decoders have integral suppression so yes, agree with Ron and Nigel, remove the capacitors.  These are connected in parrallel so all you have to do is snip them off.

John

Hi John.  Thank you for your reasoning , we are all in agreement “ whip em out “.    Best wishes. Kevin

Hi Kevin,
When I returned to the hobby last year, I purchased numerous second hand DC loco's from flea bay including many Hornby loco's. My intention from the off set was to convert them to DCC so I also bought a large quantity of Hornby decoders. I viewed many UTube videos about the conversion and all said that the supressors should be cut off and discarded. I made my own decoder sockets and all went together very well. The running of the converted loco's has gone with out fault and apart from one or two worn out engines, I have a good stock of 15 loco's, 12 of which were conversions.
One tip I will give however is this. Having purchased the necessary decoders, I bought a couple of sound fitted loco's. Guess what? I now have a number of redundant decoders as I have been gradually switching over to sound decoders. Not cheap for a good one but rather than kit your fleet out with decoders and you think you may want some sound, buy some sound decoders to save you pennies and wastage.

Hi Gary. Thank you for your reply.  The Hornby Locos in question apart from the Terrier, are ancient 0-4-0’s which is one reason for the delay in converting them, they are tight for space. The sound Locos in my collection are the work of experts.   Best wishes.  Kevin

There are two main brands of sound decoder for UK locos that I know of, and have tried.  First is the ESU Loksound offered by most retailers.  These are very good and I used quite a number when I was doing 4mm.

Since switching to 7mm, I've been using Zimo which are also excellent (I use the same ones as 4mm).  Zimo also have some superb cube speakers.

I have had great service from Digitrains.

There is some subjectivity, but my experience of Hornby decoders has been dreadful.  It's been a while so they might have improved.  Performance with steam locos was lumpy and changing to any other brand improved this markedly.  The other issue I had was that my NCE wouldn't read the CVs from the Hornby decoder.  I would recommend buying just about any other brand.  Lenz Silver is eyewateringly good but dear.  Hattons own brand are good as well IMO (I think they are rebranded DCC Concepts).

John

Hi John. Thank you for your reply. I have been purchasing my Decoders from Digitrains , and I have had sound fitted to some Locos , but I think too many would be too much. Best wishes. Kevin

Hi Kevin,

You are probably gong to need a small Z/N scale decoder to fit in one of those Hornby 0-4-0 models. You may also have to hard-wire the motor, as there is not that much room for a plug. You could always use 2 dual wire 1 amp leads with M/F prong connectors as used in radio-controlled 'planes. They don't occupy much space. Heat sinks are essential if hard wiring.

From memory there is just enough space behind the backhead for a small decoder if you take some material off with a file. Sitting on the top of the motor at the front (worm) end also works.

Sound is problematic, as you will have space issues. A small N-scale speaker is just about possible (but difficult to hear). Personally I'd go with a cheap Z/N-scale decoder. The only way I found to get a decent decoderr and speaker in these models was to use the chassis/motor/gearbox from Branchlines.

Nigel

If you have a lot of locos then sound gets to be very expensive since the decoder and speaker can easily exceed the cost of the loco.

Despite having sound in most of my BR locos, I had decided not to install sound in my LMS locos.

I don't plan to get all that many 0 gauge locos (happily for my CC they don't come out all that often) and can buy the sound as I go.

John

Didn't Paul Chetter install sound into a Pecket?  ISTR he posted a video here somewhere.

John

Hi Nigel.  Thank you. I have already purchased a Decoder that was recommended by Digitrains , and have been â€œsitting on it” for some months wasting time on other projects. I will have a go at finding space for it, once I do?  I will go for it.   Best wishes. Kevin

Hi John.  Thank you. You are quite correct, I have so many  Hornby 0-4-0’s , I have a choice DCC or not? And if I go for it and it goes bad at least I have a supply of spares. Or I can build a DC dockside layout. Better yet, one never knows what one is capable of doing??    Best wishes Kevin 

Hi Kevin,

Put 2 of them in a drawer, next time you open it there are half a dozen.of them.. Before long you will be calling the pest control people.

Nigel

Hi Nigel .  Thank you, very good, but I think I will try one to get the wiring correct , and when that either works or doesn’t , then I can do the two L&Y Pugs. It has been suggested a layout based on “ Liverpool Docks” but I don’t know , I would prefer “ London Docks” , many years ago in “School Holidays” I had visited them. I already have a couple of “ Scarabs “.     Best wishes Kevin