Large Scale Central

Progress on the DCC front

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Three more engines ready for mainline duty, ZIMO sound decoders installed by my friend, the expert. Lights (warm LEDs) exactly according to prototype, the pantos are servo actuated, naturally also behaving exactly as the prototype i.e. none of the dependence of travel direction. And the sound! WOW just like the real thing, from start up to shut down. Still to come are the servo uncouplers, ordering the first pair tomorrow to see how they fit and act on a Krok - that’s what is designated for wayfreight/mixed service.

On the install; yep, I watched the work flow over his shoulder - including the little surprises - and the next bunch I’ll be doing using the same routine. No reinventing the wheel in this house.

#2

Which type servo uncoupler are you using?

I have done the Kadee to Zimo, and also the train-Li hook/loop to Zimo decoder.

I am wondering if there is another type.

#3

Hi Dan,

I’m changing all couplers to Kadee #1s, as well as Sierra Valley wheel sets for the rolling stock.

The servo version I’ll order today is #11221. I also grabbed your post with the CVs you used and printed it out, thank you very much. Had a chuckle about that ripped chain, same happened to the very strong thread that pulls down the pantos on some of my engines - the springs are used to return to the non-existent “contact wire”.

The install sequence of the ZIMO decoders starts with the “big toss” of the original LGB wiring and most of the boards. Much less confusion that way. The LEDs fit the plug-in sockets that LGB used on the newer engines.

For the LGB engines that came with automatic panto switching a piano wire connects to the existing actuating arm. Rather than lower the pantos to the latching position they are just slightly above that and the latch-tabs are bent back to prevent the “Ooops” sensation (there’s enough other excitement to be had).

#4

Dan I am using the massoth hook and loop myself in combination with zimo decoders and have been very happy. If you wanted a closer look there is one in the shop at train-li right now under Mike Williams. Oh and I totally agree wow on the sound.

#5

I will look at the Massoth unit, thanks for the info.

HJ, I gut the wiring on all engines and direct wire the Zimo decoders also.

And I change lights to leds or 5 volt for the analog /dc only users.

The USA GP7/9 looks awesome with the bright leds where the red and green lights can now ne seen outdoors in the day time.

#6

Dan, how do you wire that USAT bipolar led to your Zimo to get both colors?

Or do you change out the stock bipolar (2 pin) led to a common anode dual led?

Greg

#7

I changed out the bipolar led to common anode and use much brighter leds.

The green shows up outdoors in the daytime now.

My friend is very pleased with the new lights, and right now I am finishing a GR7 with these brighter leds.