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Fox Valley Models

N Scale ES44AC GEVO

ZIMO MX649N

DCC Decoder Installation
Last Updated 210218
 

Streamlined Backshop offers a variety of services including DCC decoder installations.


I have been blessed with more work than I can accomplish and simply don't have time to accept every opportunity I am presented.


One of my favorite proverbs is "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".


With these thoughts in mind, I present this information for those who want to give it a go but struggle with the how to.


For this group of modelers, this is how I do it.


Please note, this write-up is intentionally simplified and only focuses on the "tricky stuff".  There are tons of resources on my site and around the WWW that can clarify the common details of decoder installations.


The same basic products, tools and techniques can be applied to nearly any model of the same genre so be sure to look at the forest, not just the trees.
 

Be sure to visit my online train store, www.SBS4DCC.com today where you can purchase this model and everything you will need to complete the decoder installation as described!

 


The FVM N Scale ES44AC "GEVO"

Fox Valley Models has released many versions of the ES44AC over years.  One "neat" feature of the model is the radiator compartment roof is easily removed to expose the circuit board which uses a NEM651 - 6-pin Direct dummy plug making the conversion to DCC pretty simple... you can literally install sound in this model without ever removing the shell!

Other FVM models like the GP60 and SD70ACe use the same DCC interface so the install could be similar in those applications as well.

Other decoder brands can be substituted but you may need to make changes to this procedure as required.
 


Recommended Tools and Supplies
There are a few tools and supplies recommended for performing this decoder installation.
 
Tools:
Wire Strippers
Hobby Knife
Soldering Iron
Motor Tool
Multimeter
 
Supplies:
SBS4DCC "Sugar Cube" Speaker 8x12mm 8 ohm .7 watt w/ Sound Chamber
LocTite Gel Control Super Glue
Tinning Flux
60/40 Rosin Core Solder
 

Installation and Final Assembly
 

For this install I started by literally gluing two SBS4DCC "Sugar Cube" Speaker 8x12mm 8 ohm .7 watt w/ Sound Chamber directly to the roof of the radiator compartment.  I mounted them end to end so it was very sime to wire them in series; just bridge the adjoining spring tabs with solder them connect the speaker wires from the decoder to the tabs at either end.  Easy...
 

After the glue has dried, simply remove the NEM651 - 6-pin Direct dummy plug, plug in the ZIMO MX649N Micro DCC Sound Decoder - NEM651 6-pin Integral Connector then reassemble the radiator cover.  Easy...  
 

The Test Run and Demonstration
 

So with that,  the install is complete.  Time to pour a glass and celebrate.

Or, if you are like me, curse, swear and try to sort out everything that wasn't quite as easy as it sounded here.

Once everything tests out and the job is done, you should be able to enjoy the sights and sounds just like the engine in this demonstration video.

N' Joy!
 
 
 

 

You can purchase most of the products used in this project today from my online train store

 

Streamlined Backshop Services