Decoder for a BACHMANN 2-6-6-2 Mallet

[stuart1955]

I'm considering fitting dcc decoders to my Bachmann 2-6-6-2 Mallet and a Bachmann Forney, I'm not bothered about sound decoders, just want to convert to dcc so they can run along side my other loco's.
They are both plug and play, but is there a decoder available in the UK that will plug in to the pc board, or have I got to use the dummy plug with wires that is supplied with each loco to convert to dcc. I have read some where that the Digitax DG583AR decoder which has the Aristo type plug will fit into the Bachmann style plug and play board, but I'm reluctant to purchase one incase it does not fit.
Any advice or recommendations would be welcome.

 

[ntpntpntp]

Yes, a DG583AR will certainly fit the mallet, that`s what I have in mine.  They`re decent decoders, they disappeared for a while a few years ago then reappeared certified ROHS lead-free solder etc., and were quite cheap when I last bought a couple.

I fitted it 2-3 years ago and I can`t find all my notes right now, but going by the Mallet`s wiring diagram it looks like I used the DG583`s additional lighting connector to power the front and rear headlights, the cab light and the flickering firebox light.  Notice in the photo I`ve unplugged the connectors for those lights from the Bachmann motherboard (their sockets are just under the tank at the top of the photo)  and made up a small daughter board wired to the additional lighting connector (top right of the decoder in the photo).

Although the decoder can power the front & rear lights through pins on the main plug&play interface, making the daughter board made it easier to power all the additional lights using the existing wiring connectors, because some of the lights share a connector on the main board (eg. the rear light and cab light).

Shame about the untidy insulation tape, I`ll have to sort that out now I`ve popped the hood!




Here`s the daughter board exposed:  I`ve used 1K resistors for each LED.