DWiDCC - Decoder Conversion
Decoder conversion is simple but requires some fine soldering work

copyright Bob Backway 2007

PLEASE NOTE:
Removing the shrink wrap, cutting tracks and soldering extra wires to a decoder WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. But at the price decoders sell for these days why worry!

With experience it takes about 10 minutes to convert a standard decoder to wireless decoders but some fine soldering is required. I use a bright lamp and a magnifying stand to help my ageing eyes.

You will need the finest flexible wire you can find. Decoders normally have about twice the length of wire needed on them. Trim some off to use. A temperature regulated soldering iron with a fine tip is well worth the money.

You will notice that I connect a wire to the old DCC track signal. By connecting this to one side of a toggle switch and the wireless DCC signal to the other side with the signal to the microcontroller as the moving switch contact I can switch between track DCC and DWiDCC easily. I still program my decoders in track DCC mode.

Reproduced above from an earlier article is this drawing of a typical decoder.

Modifications normally required include:

NCE D13SRJ v3.5

These decoders sell for $US19.95 and $A23.40 so are about the cheapest decoders you can buy. Despite this they still have all the features we can expect from a decoder.

1. The first step is to cut the track as shown. A disk on a Dremmel tool will do the job. This isolates the track from the DCC signal input to the microcontroller. Notice also that NCE have conveniently provided and labelled 5Volt power pre-drilled pads.
2. Solder the power (Black & Yellow) into the holes provided and labelled. Solder the DCC signal wires (White). The track DCC signal wire is soldered to the bottom of the surface mount resistor labelled "473". The DCC signal to the microcontroller is soldered to pin 13 which is the second pin in from the top left.
3. Connect the power wires to the wireless receiver, yellow to both +5Volt pins and black to both ground pins 4. Connect a minature toggle or slide switch to provide for dual mode DCC. 5. Add an antenna using 171mm of thin wire.
6. Wire the rest of the decoder wires (Motor, lights, accessories) as you would normally do.
7. Try it with normal track DCC. If it works try your DWiDCC throttle.

© ADCC 2007
03/04/07