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: $ Trade only  

 

 For a copy of the DCC-218 instructions, please 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: $69.95 each  

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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

 

Decoder harness Selection

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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

 

 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

 

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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)

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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 FX888 Professional quality 65w 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 FX-888 is the successor to our previous favourite, Hakko’s excellent and ultra reliable 936 soldering station but with a number of important refinements. These include a faster thermal recovery, a higher heater output (now 65W) and a new tip design which has a larger copper mass and improved thermal transfer, all things that make model making and general soldering easier.

 

NOTE: Only the Blue and Yellow version of FX888 is available in Australia

Text Box:  With exceptional heating efficiency and very quick recovery the Hakko FX888 is perfect for fine electronics

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

Text Box: HAK-888 Text Box: Hakko FX888 65watt Iron with two tips Text Box: $259.95 ea

Text Box: HAK-Tip Text Box: Standard Hakko Tips (Specify type please) Text Box: $12.95 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 Text Box: $569.95 ea

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Solder and Soldering aids for the DCC workbench

(For a look at our full solder and flux range, please click here)

SOLDER & FLUXES

DCCconcepts Sapphire 179 Solder:

Text Box: Sapphire 179 is 0.6mm diameter solder which flows absolutely brilliantly. It has a very narrow melt range which makes dry joints a thing of the past. It has a multiple flux core to assist wetting and flow. Its is a little more expensive than hardware store solder but we make no apology for that, as this specially formulated solder is simply the very best available anywhere! This is the BEST solder to use for any DCC installation! Text Box: DCS-S179  Text Box: 3 metre pack of Sapphire 179 solder  Text Box: $7.95 ea

 ————————————————————————————————————————--—-DCCconcepts very own formula Sapphire Fluxes:

Text Box: We are by nature curious, and as we are all aging faster than we’d like we developed this flux to overcome what we saw as many of the possible health problems from frequent use of traditional acid based fluxes: DCCconcepts Sapphire Flux is heat activated and it is also totally environmentally safe, it gives off no harmful fumes and it works wonderfully well on your DCC installs, layout wiring, Brass, nickel silver, copper, steel, spring steel etc., etc…. There is no acid in this flux so it is not corrosive but it may stain if excess is left on some metals. We therefore recommend a quick and easy clean-up after soldering: Use either Methylated spirits or a 50:50 mix of alcohol and water applied with a cheap brush. This is quick to do and it also evaporates away quickly leaving a perfectly clean reliable joint. Text Box: DCCconcepts Liquid Sapphire flux (supplied in a 50ml jar) We apply this flux with a cotton bud or a small low cost paintbrush. It is also excellent for cleaning up tarnished soldering iron tips - heat the Iron, dip in, wipe off and re-tin for efficient soldering! This flux will help you make easy, fast, perfect joins between any electronic components or facilitate soldering of wire to metal surfaces. Use sparingly and clean off with a cotton bud of methylated spirits when the job is completed It is usable for almost anything you will need to solder – even some grades of stainless steel when used with our Sapphire 179 Solder! Text Box: DCCconcepts Paste type Sapphire flux (supplied in a 50ml pot) Paste flux is useful for soldering when you only want a very tiny bit of solder precisely placed for an exacting job. We apply it with a syringe (the kind sold for printer cartridge refills) or a toothpick. You will only ever need a little for each soldered joint! As with our liquid flux, clean joints after soldering with an alcohol or water alcohol mix. Please cover when not in use of it may dry out a little. If you forget and it dries, don’t worry - just add very little 50/50 alcohol/water mix and quick stirring will reconstitute it.. Text Box: DCS-SFLL  Text Box: 50 ml bottle of Sapphire Flux Liquid  Text Box: $12.95 ea

Text Box: DCS-SFLP  Text Box: 50 ml pot of Sapphire Flux paste  Text Box: $12.95 ea

Note: Sapphire flux is safe for airmail and airfreight delivery worldwide.

 

Please note:

This page only includes Solder & fluxes for wiring the layout. 

(for our full solder & flux range  please click HERE)

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Soldering Aids

Once you have good solder, the right flux and a high quality Iron you won’t need too much else—but there are a couple of low cost items you will be very pleased to own when you have a need for them!

Fibreglass Cleaning Brush

Text Box: Things MUST be totally clean for a good, quick solder joint—flux can help but NOTHING can replace perfect cleanliness when its important to get the joint done quickly and reliably. This fibreglass pen will perfectly clean rail, circuit boards and bass kit parts equally well. Text Box: DCT-FBS Text Box: Standard Fibreglass Cleaning brush Text Box: $19.95 ea

Text Box: DCT-FBSR Text Box: Fibreglass Cleaning brush + 5x REFILLS Text Box: $29.95 ea

 

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Soldering Tip Reviver:

Text Box: Soldering Tip Reviver: If your soldering Iron tip is not perfectly clean and shiny, it can’t transfer heat and you can’t solder properly! If it has dark patches or isn’t well tinned, roll it in this little tin of magic and it will work like new! Text Box: DCS-STR