Model Railway Forum

Hi, i bought a Hornby 8f and it was dcc. last year i tried to change decoder with sound, but i have not found a 8f sound decoder, so i got a 9f decoder with sound from UK and assembled. As you guessed after a short time the decoder was burned. I am still looking for a sound decoder for 8f and would you suggest me another suitible sound decoder please?

Hello Kerem

I have recently become a convert to Zimo decoders, so I would suggest the Zimo MX646.

Thanks a lot. But as you know zimo decoders are a little bit expensive according to TTS. Therefore, my priority is converting with TTS decoders. If still i cant find a cheaper way, i will get a zimo...

There is no Hornby TTS sound decoder to buy off the shelf for an 8F as far as I know and I need 3!

My first post of call would be Caroline at South West Digital who I have used before and have been pleased with the contact /products / sound etc etc

James at Cheltenham Models is also very helpful but he uses SWD as well but can offer a fitting service.

Can't understand why Hornby do not do an 8F TTS because with the right speaker they are acceptable.

Btw, my experience, my opinions

Before you spend money on a new decoder you really need to establish what caused the 9F TTS decoder to fail. It is perfectly reasonable to use the 9F TTS in the 8F loco so would be worth checking the wiring to the 8 pin socket etc for possible short circuit.

Ditto

If you have something wrong which blow the TTS it also just as likely to blow a more expensive Zimo or ESU decoder

Did you wrap the TTS decoder in insulating tape or heat shrink for insulation, if you did that likely to be the reason it failed, the TTS decoders get hot and need to be exposed to open air for cooling.,

Paul

cadman wrote: ↑Sat Apr 03, 2021 2:24 pm Before you spend money on a new decoder you really need to establish what caused the 9F TTS decoder to fail. It is perfectly reasonable to use the 9F TTS in the 8F loco so would be worth checking the wiring to the 8 pin socket etc for possible short circuit.

I agree that the cause of the initial failure should be identified and rectified if necessary before fittting any replacement decoder, expensive or otherwise.

Whilst it's true you could fit a 9F sound decoder to an 8F model, the whistle sounds are completely different. The 8F has a Stanier Hooter whilst the 9F has a BR standard whistle.