Pete would like to hear what others in the hobby think about…

“Can an older HO diesel engine (Bachmann) be converted from dc to dcc? What is necessary to do this.”

Add your thoughts using the comment link below this posting.

Gale asks readers:

“I have several Concor brown box collector set in N scale and I want to convert them to DCC. Where can I find the Information on how to do this?”

Add your answer below.

We have asked a similar question before (some time ago), but Eugene has suggested we ask the question again. This is a good idea as we now have so many new followers of this blog. 

And, if you have a suggestion for a poll question, simply send it in using the "Ask A Question" link at the bottom of this page.

Also, if you would like to make a contribution to the hobby by sharing some of your knowledge by writing some tips or a short tutorial for publication - please also use the "Ask A Question" link to send in your submission. Content must be original and we can send you an email address if you have a supporting photo or diagram for publication.

Bob has a question for knowledgeable readers:

“I have two HO Walthers(920-40991) Proto 2000 E7 Locomotive with QSI Quantum DCC Q1a Sound Decoder. All works except sound. Unplug sound and plug in new speaker and we get sound. Loco works for 5 second then off for 5 second then on again. Off and on again every 5 second. I replug in the original two speaker, loco runs great, but no sound. Any ideas will help.”

Comment below.

Peter asks readers for advice:

“I have a Bachmann 2-8-0. I would like to fit a good sound decoder .Which is the better one? I understand that if it is a soundtrax i need to use a programmer to install? Is this correct or is it fit and play?”

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Rich asks readers:

“Does anyone know what kind of dcc sound decoder is compatible, with Athearn eight pin plug,and also a mth eight pin. Thanks for your help.”

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Derek asks:

“Hi are there any books that give you the circuit details for building digital controllers and receivers? DCC I had an old article in Practical Electronics 1980 for the main controller but lost the 2nd article on receivers.”

Ian would like to hear from anyone who can advise him on DCC:

“I recently purchaed a bachmann dcc system second hand.Within a week I acquired a Hornby dcc train set and would like to run the Hornby engine on the Bachmann system. Any tips and advice would be welcome as I am a newcomer to the dcc scene.”

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Peter has an NCE DCC system and wants guidance from someone with experience in DCC:

 “Hi Guys, I recently purchased a Bachmann 2-8-0 consolidation, out the box. I presume it has the Bachmann decoder installed. I use the NCE DCC system. The problem is that the locomotive only starts responding at about step 13 of the speed control. Is this normal? I also have a spectrum 2-8-0. This has no problem. This one has a NCE decoder in? Responds on step 4.”

To help Peter, add your suggestion below.

Douglas is having a problem on his layout and asks if readers can advise him:

“I have dcc and HO athearn locos. I find my trains stop then reboot and go. The tracks and wheels are clean. What am I missing?

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Martin has a question for anyone with knowledge of HOe locomotives:

“I am about to fit a dcc decoder to a HOe loco, does anyone have any tips on fitting decoders to a loco in HOe scale?”

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Henry asks experienced model railroaders for help:

“I have a new Atlas Gold U30C with QSI Revolution sound decoder. The Volume cannot be increased to the same level as other QSI locos. Atlas says that this series of U30C locos have these quieter decoders from QSI and they say that’s as far as they will go. This is even though the decoder is distorted and produces RF interference while operating. What are peoples thoughts on this subject?

You can comment below.

Joaquim asks:

"I have 6 president choice sets made by Mechano - they are dc and I wish  to convert to dcc. I would appreciate if someone could tell me how it is done,  also using the simplest decoders."

Jean is having problems installing decoders and asks readers:

“I have five Jouef locomotives in which I want to install decoders. However, I cannot open the place where the motors are located, and I am afraid to break something. For the steam engines, the motors are in the tenders. Does someone know of a safe way to open these things?”

To help Jean comment below.

Readers can comment below.

Here is another of the many tips in the online model train club members area:

When purchasing a locomotive with a decoder installed, look for the wording “DCC equipped”, or “Factory installed decoder”, or “W/DCC”, or wording like that. Be careful though, because the words “DCC Ready” usually means that the locomotive is capable of having a decoder installed and that one is NOT already installed. I repeat, “DCC ready” usually means there is NO decoder fitted, but the wiring inside the locomotive is terminated with a socket, ready for addition of a “Plug and Play” decoder. This is an easy installation, no soldering.

If you are still unsure whether or not a locomotive has DCC status, you can try this test. Place the locomotive on the program track of a DCC system. See if the command station can read CVs… and if it can’t… then no decoder is fitted. Also, without a decoder fitted, the loco would “hum” with the throttle set at “0″. If the locomotive responds to the throttle on a DC system, then either there is NO decoder, or the locomotive may have a decoder that has analog operation enabled. If in doubt, it is always best to get clarification from the hobby store staff, or from the manufacturer or person supplying the locomotive.

Michael has an HO DCC question for knowledgeable readers:

I have a Fleischmann loco that has a decoder factory fitted. Whilst trying the loco on my LENZ Compact I had not noticed that I had left a Roco DCC controller switched on with power to the track. Since I have done this stupid thing the lights work on the diesel but the loco does not move. The lights keep flashing then go steady, but no movement. Is there any way I will be able to get the loco to work correctly again? I kook forward to hearing from someone with experience if possible on this subject

Add your suggestion to help Michael below.