No-Nonsense advice and the best in tools and equipment from modelling experts

Showrooms & Office:

 3/13 Lionel St. Naval Base

WA 6165 AUSTRALIA

Phone   +61 8 9437 2470

Fax        +61 8 9437 2471

sales@DCCconcepts.com

Time Zone GMT + 8hrs

 

The DCC Workshop - DCC Installation:

Tools, special materials tips & techniques to help you make a great job of DCC decoder, LED lighting and related installation in locomotives and rolling stock.

Text Box: The right tools, accessories and materials always make the difference between a reliable high quality installation and an average job - no matter what you are creating or installing. The real difference with DCCconcepts tool & accessory ranges is that we will ONLY stock and sell those tools that do the job perfectly and we’ll only ever sell materials that we can guarantee will give the best results. Basically, we ONLY stock things that we will also use ourselves - where we can’t find something to do the job, we’re determined enough to arrange for our manufacturers to create the perfect tool rather than compromise. As with layout wiring, the key to good tidy work is a clean workspace, good light, quality tools and the right materials. We install and modify locomotives each and every day so we have a good appreciation for which tools and materials will help you more than any others. With the right tolls and materials you really are more than halfway there… So on this page we’ve listed a selection of tools and material that won’t break the bank, but that will, if you are patient and careful in the way you work, ensure that you will soon become not only confident in your own skills, but enjoy the process too. We also recommend that you take time to review our advice pages and if you are not confident with a soldering Iron, read our soldering pages in detail.

There are several categories of Installation aids:

To make it easier to search, we have provided direct access to some items directly below: Just “Click on the heading” to be taken there.

Adaptors      Connectors       Decoder Testers

Decoder harness Selection   Micro Relay    Insulation      

Magnifiers/Light     Soldering Irons     Solder & Flux      

 Soldering Aids   Test Equipment    Tools     Wire

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ADAPTORS

Text Box: The DCCconcepts 21 pin to 8 pin adapter. A top quality product that makes interfacing 21 pin locos with 8 pin decoders a breeze! Text Box: This clever little adapter is a simple plug and play device for most loco’s, however it also comes with instructions to help you interconnect function 3 (the green) and function 4 (the purple) via the PCB. The instructions are available below for those who would like to know more about it. Available in economical 5 packs OR in bulk 50’s for DCC installers Text Box: DCC-218 5pk Text Box: Pack of 5 DCC-218 adapter Text Box: $29.95 each  Text Box: DCC-218 B50 Text Box: Pack of 50 DCC-218 adapter Text Box: $ Please ask  

 

 For a copy of the DCC-218 instructions, please click here

 

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Micro-Relays

Text Box: A super tiny double pole double throw relay with switch contacts that are rated at 1 amp. Text Box: Use to extend the power handling of a decoder function—for example to connect a smoke unit, or to operate other functions such as DCC couplers that may need a wee bit more current than a decoder is comfortable with. It really is super tiny at 5.7mm wide, 8.75mm high and 11mm long

 

 

 

 

Text Box: DCC-Relay3 Text Box: Pack of 3 micro relays Text Box: $12.95 pk3  Text Box: DCC-Relay5 Text Box: Pack of 5 micro relays Text Box: $19.95 pk5  

 

For a copy of the image above, click here

 

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Connectors (loco to tender, or unit to unit)

Text Box: The DCCconcepts 4 pin connector.

Text Box: 4 wire loco to tender or inter-unit wiring connector. The easiest and most reliable way to make connections between loco and tender, coach to coach or diesel to diesel: One fixed end (micro-screw is supplied) means that lead control is much better. An easy to use & reliable connector at a sensible price. (If you are careful, it can be split to 2x 2 way connectors). It is supplied either in a 2 pack or economical 5 pack Text Box: DCA-PF4 2pk Text Box: Pack of two 4 wire connectors Text Box: $12.95 each  Text Box: DCA-PF4 5pk Text Box: Pack of Five 4 wire connectors Text Box: $ 24.95 each  

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Text Box: The DCCconcepts 6 pin connector.

Text Box: 6 wire loco to tender or inter-unit wiring connector for DCC and sound installations with super fine wire. (This connector is also actually a perfect match for NEM651 - NMRA 6 way DCC plugs (0.1 pitch) and the Bachmann Loco-to-tender connector) A truly versatile and useful connector with that won’t compromise loco movement on curves. Also usable as a connector set for N scale or NEM651 6 wire harnesses. One fixed end gives much better control of lead dressing. Insulation has been specified to readily accept felt tip marker pen ink, so wires are easily blackened after installation. supplied in either a 2 pack or economical 5 pack (DCA-PF6-5). Text Box: DCA-PF6 2pk Text Box: Pack of two 6 wire connectors Text Box: $12.95 each  Text Box: DCA-PF6 5pk Text Box: Pack of Five 6 wire connectors Text Box: $ 24.95 each  

 

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Decoder testers

Pre-test and programme your decoders before installation!

Text Box: The NCE Decoder tester

Text Box: NCE Decoder Tester works with any brand of DCC & all decoders fitted with bare wires, 8 pin NMRA plug or JST connector. It includes leads to connect decoders. It will allow you to test and set-up motor speed control, forward and reverse (with LED indicators) , Forward and rear lights, function 3 (green) and function 4 (purple) An economical and handy tool for every DCC user! Text Box: NCE-Test Text Box: NCE Decoder tester Text Box: $25.95 each  

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Text Box: The fully featured ESU Decoder tester

Text Box: This is a sophisticated decoder tester that will allow test and set-up of both ESU sound decoders and loco drive decoders of all brands. It includes NMRA/NEM 6 and 8 pin socket, 21 pin socket and a clever wee terminal strip for bare wires. It has LED for forward, reverse, Front and rear light plus function 3 (green) and function 4 (purple). It has a flywheel equipped motor for assisting you to adjust sound and momentum etc… plus a 20mm 100 ohm speaker for LokSound of course Text Box: ESU-Test Text Box: ESU Decoder tester Text Box: $79.95 each  

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Decoder harness Selection

Text Box: We stock a wide range of JST to 8 pin harnesses, some of which are custom made for specific locomotives, with wire orientation either along or across the loco connector so that wires will dress correctly and tidily and wire lengths perfect for the loco concerned. We also stock 8 pin sockets for those who want to install them in their locomotives.

 

Text Box: Specific detail can be found for each harness in the attached PDF file which shows each in diagramme form. Its worth taking a good look at this as whilst some are designed for specific locos, they will of course also be useful for ANY locomotive of similar dimension and characteristic. Note also: * Any harness designated “UK” will have leads dressed along the length of the NMRA plug. * 9 Pin JST plugs will fit any brand of decoder fitted with a 9 pin JST plug at the decoder end * 7 pin JST plugs will fit TCS MC or similar series decoder fitted with a 7 pin JST at the decoder end

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8-pin NMRA decoder plug/socket/spacer

Text Box: This Handy little 8 pin socket can be used either to make non-DCC-ready loco’s into “DCC ready” locos…. Or to use as a spacer between the 8 pin socket and an 8 pin decoder plug when wires etc would otherwise be in the way….Or…. To add an 8 pin plug to a decoder with bare wires! It is sold in packs of either three or ten.

Text Box: DCH-8P3 Text Box: 8-Pin decoder plug/socket - 3 pack Text Box: $ 7.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-8P10 Text Box: 8-Pin decoder plug/socket - 10 pack Text Box: $ 19.95 ea

 

For TCS T Series / all regular sized decoders with 9 pin JST

 

Text Box: DCH-SH Text Box: Short: 1-1/4” (32mm), 9 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea  

Text Box: DCH-MH Text Box: Medium: 3-5/8” (91mm), 9 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea  

Text Box: DCH-LH Text Box: Long: 6” (150mm), 9 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-P2K Text Box: Very Short & flipped, 3/8” (10mm) 9 pin JST to 8p Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-VO Text Box: Very Short & regular, 1/4” (7mm) 9 pin JST to 8p Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-E6 Text Box: Medium & flipped, 3-3/4” (96mm) 9 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-STF Text Box: Short UK/Stewart type 1/2” (13mm), 9 pin JST to 8p Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-UK Text Box: Standard UK type 2-1/8” (54mm), 9 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-UKSH Text Box: Short-ish UK type 1-1/4” (32mm), 9 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

 

 For TCS MC Series / smaller sized decoder with 7 pin JST

 

Text Box: DCH-MCSH Text Box: Short: 1-1/4” (32mm), 7 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-MCMH Text Box: Medium: 3-5/8” (91mm), 7 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea  

Text Box: DCH-MCLH Text Box: Long: 6” (150mm), 7 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-MCUK Text Box: Standard UK type 2-1/8” (54mm), 7 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea  

Text Box: DCH-MCVO Text Box: V-Short & regular, 1/4” (7mm) 7 pin JST to 8pin Text Box: $ 8.95 ea

 

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Heat-shrink & insulation

Text Box: Inadequate insulation can be a cause of frustration…. And dead decoders. Every join between two wires inside a loco must have proper insulation, and standard electrical tape is simply far too bulky. For wire joints, use heat-shrink or liquid insulation, and for chassis parts, Super tough Kapton Tape & liquid insulation will work well. Careful insulation saves disasters!

 

Versatile Liquid Insulation (a rapid setting durable plastic film)

 

Text Box: Handy 28g tube (1oz) Simply brush it on and it will insulate wire joins or chassis parts - and it will also seal out moisture if necessary. Once dry, it won't crack, peel or harden. This is a very versatile product and can also be used for stopping screws from vibrating loose etc.

Text Box: DCT-LETB Text Box: *Black* Liquid insulation / 28gram tube Text Box: $ 12.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-LETR Text Box: *Red* Liquid insulation / 28gram tube Text Box: $ 12.95 ea

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A pack of High quality “Shrink Tube” in red, black or assorted

 

Text Box: These packs of 1.5mm shrink tube are super economical and each pack contains a LOT of tube… certainly enough for many, many installations (enough for more than 100 solder joints guaranteed!). Each has his or her own preferences with colour, so we have made available an assortment plus an equivalent sized pack in Red, Black or clear Each pack contains 36 pieces, each minimum 50mm in length. Every modellers workbench needs at least one pack of this stuff!

Text Box: DCT-SHA Text Box: Assorted colours - 1.5mm heat-shrink Text Box: $ 6.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-SHB Text Box: Black pack - 1.5mm heat-shrink Text Box: $ 6.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-SHC Text Box: Clear pack - 1.5mm heat-shrink Text Box: $ 6.95 ea

Text Box: DCH-SHR Text Box: Red Pack - 1.5mm heat-shrink Text Box: $ 6.95 ea

 

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Roll of Top quality KAPTON tape

 

Text Box: Kapton tape is a very thin, heat resistant tape which is ideal for model train applications, especially for the smaller scales where there just isn’t room for the thicker tape types. Each Roll is 6mm wide (1/4") and 33 metres long (108 feet)…. So while they look expensive, they will last forever!

Text Box: DCT-KPT Text Box: Roll of 6mm Kapton tape, 33metres long Text Box: $ 19.95 ea

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Soldering Irons

To do good DCC installation and related electronics work at the bench you really DO need a top quality soldering iron. The specification is important of course, but as well as the right tip and consistent heat delivery, the fit and feel of the Iron in your hand is very important too… Just as a using a well made and balanced pen will give the greatest comfort and quality of result!

So… taking care and choosing the right Soldering Iron, solder, flux & tools will make an absolutely huge difference to every task you do at the DCC modellers workbench, whether it is soldering decoder wires, adding wires to PCB’s or installing LEDs… all of them will need a  “static free” or ESD safe iron and a quick precise touch of the Iron to avoid heat damage.

Most importantly, it will be an easier and more enjoyable task with these products - we absolutely guarantee it as we will ONLY sell soldering equipment we will use ourselves!

This page is titled “The DCC Workshop” so we have only listed items specific to this task - to see our full range of soldering irons please click here.

To see our full range of Solders and Fluxes, click here.

(Just in case you missed it, we also have a massive section on how to solder, covering the “how to” of soldering almost anything! This really does give a step by step soldering guide , so  Click here if you wish to read it now)

Antex XS25 Low Voltage Soldering Iron:

Text Box: NOTE: We stock elements & tips for this Iron. Text Box: This is a truly GREAT low voltage Iron for the workbench as well as the layout. The supplied fine chisel tip is the best possible choice as the flat side helps larger joints, while the edge is great for finer work on decoders etc! Super light in the hand and a delight to hold, it is very conservatively rated. It needs 12~15 volts DC at a full 2 amps to deliver its rated power, but you will be amazed at how well it works on many tasks you will have for it. Supplied with a long light twin flex lead for easy handling.

Text Box: ANT-XS25 LV  Text Box: XS25 25 Watt Low voltage soldering iron  Text Box: $59.95 ea

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Hakko Mach-1 model 921 lightweight 55w Soldering Iron

Text Box: This is a highly efficient lightweight 55watt soldering Iron that is a delight to hold. It has very quick initial heating (You can start soldering in as little as ten seconds!) and it has a very fast recovery, long-life ceramic heater and the tip structure totally surrounds the element for excellent heat transfer. The 921 has both the delicacy for fine work and the sheer power for tougher jobs, all in an Iron 200mm long and only just over 50 grams in weight! It is supplied with both a standard fine electronics tip AND a chisel tip for modelling work. An exceptionally nice Iron to use anywhere! The tip temperature is ideal for modellers at 370 degrees Text Box: NOTE: We stock and guarantee availability of spare elements & spare tips for this Iron.

Text Box: HAK-921 Text Box: Hakko Mach 1/921 40w Iron with two tips Text Box: $79.95 ea

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Hakko 936 Professional quality 50w Soldering Station

Text Box: HAKKO Irons are now used in more high volume production and service facilities than any other, as their incredible reliability and exceptional user comfort make them the preferred Iron for the professionals The 936 is supplied with the Hakko 907 medium 50 watt iron which, with a weight of less than 50 grams and a pure silicone lead, feels like a fine quality pen in the hand, making all model related soldering a genuine pleasure. Text Box: With exceptional heating efficiency and very quick recovery the Hakko 936 is perfect for both fine electronics work and the soldering of rail or kits made of brass, whitemetal or Nickel silver kits. Tip temperature is extremely stable and ranges from 200 degrees (Perfect for Whitemetal) to 480 degrees (Hot enough for Austenitic Stainless Steel or spring Wire soldering). The 936 is ESD safe. The Hakko 936 is supplied with both a standard fine electronics tip AND a chisel tip for modelling work. An exceptionally nice Iron to use… In fact we now use Hakko’s soldering stations ourselves! Text Box: NOTE: We stock and guarantee availability of spare elements & spare tips for this Iron.

Text Box: HAK-921 Text Box: Hakko Mach 1/921 40w Iron with two tips Text Box: $249.95 ea

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The Hakko FX950 analog High power 70watt Soldering StationText Box: The all new Hakko FX Series Irons are something very special… Huge power when needed yet the Iron is a delicate and extremely compact 30 grammes x 188mm long over the tip. Of course, the cord is pure silicone for superb flexibility. The FX950 is not usually supplied with a tip: However DCCconcepts add both a fine conical electronics tip and a chisel tip for heavier jobs in the pack when you buy it, making it not only one of the best Irons ever made… But also exceptional value. Text Box: Here are the key specifications for this exceptional Soldering Station.

Power Consumption

75W

Temperature Range

200-450°C (400-840°F )

Temperature Stability

±5°C (±9°F )
Soldering iron (No. FM2028)

Power consumption

70W(24V)

Tip to Ground Resistance

<2Ω

Tip to Ground Potential

<2mV

Cord

1.2m

Total length (w/o cord):

188mm with 2.4D tip

Weight (w/o cord):

30g with 2.4D tip
Soldering Station

Output Voltage

24V

Dimensions

80(W)x118(H)x138(D)mm

Weight (w/o cord)

1.2kg

Model FX950

Packing List

Soldering Station(FX-950), Soldering Iron(FM-2028), Lock Key, Heat-Resistant Pad, Iron Holder (FH-101, with cleaning sponge). A fully Comprehensive Instruction Manual is included.
Text Box: NOTE: We stock and guarantee availability of spares, elements & tips for this Iron.

Buying the Hakko FX950 70 watt soldering Station (with BONUS- two tips)Text Box: HAK-950 Text Box: Hakko FX950 70w Soldering station w/2 tips Text Box: $499.95 ea

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The Hakko FX951 Digital High power 70watt Soldering Station

Text Box: The all new Hakko FX Series Irons are something very special… Huge power when needed yet the Iron is a delicate and extremely compact 30 grammes x 188mm long over the tip. Of course, the cord is pure silicone for superb flexibility. The FX951 is not usually supplied with a tip: However DCCconcepts add both a fine conical electronics tip and a chisel tip for heavier jobs… all in the pack when you buy it, making it not only one of the best Irons ever made… But also exceptional value. Text Box: Here are the key specifications for this exceptional Soldering Station.

Power Consumption

75W

Temperature Range

200-450°C (400-840°F )

Temperature Stability

±5°C (±9°F )
Soldering iron (No. FM2028)

Power consumption

70W (24V)

Tip to Ground Resistance

< 2Ω

Tip to Ground Potential

< 2mV

Cord

1.2m

Total length (w/o cord):

188mm (when the Shape 2.4D soldering tip is attached)

Weight (w/o cord):

30g (when the Shape 2.4D soldering tip is attached)
Soldering Station

Output Voltage

24V

Dimensions

80(W)x130(H)x131(D)mm

Weight (w/o cord)

1.2kg

Model FX951

Packing List

Soldering Station (HAKKO FX-951), Soldering Iron (HAKKO FM-2028*), Card, Power Cord, Heat Resistant Pad, Iron Holder, Connecting cable, Instruction Manual (One of each unless specified)

Text Box: NOTE: We stock & guarantee availability of spares, elements & tips for this Iron.

Buying the Hakko FX951 70 watt soldering Station (with BONUS- two tips)Text Box: HAK-951 Text Box: Hakko FX951 70w Soldering station w/2 tips