MiniTrix FM Switcher

Scale:
N Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:

Z2



This installation is for a N Scale MiniTrix FM Switcher using a TCS Z2 decoder and was performed by Daniel Thomson.

Decoder install documented by TCS.

Note: This installation requires milling to fit the Z2 above the motor in the chassis. Minor mods to the light bezels for LED lighting was also required.

Additional upgrades to this model: Remotored with Northwest Short Lines 10203-9 Can Motor.

Above is a picture of the unit completely assembled.
Above is a picture of the unit completely assembled.
Right side view.
Right side view.
Underside view.
Underside view.
Front view.
Front view.
Back view. You have now installed a TCS Z2 decoder into your N-Scale MiniTrix FM Switcher.
Back view. You have now installed a TCS Z2 decoder into your N-Scale MiniTrix FM Switcher.

Important Soldering Tip

Please do not use any flux either liquid or paste on the mother board. Over time, the acidic properties of liquid or paste flux will begin eating away at the fiberglass PCB and will damage it. Use only Rosin-core solder or no-clean flux approved for electronics use.

TCS recommends the use of Kester "44" Sn63 Pb37, .015" diameter Rosin-core solder. Kester part number 24-6337-0007.

You can order this solder from the following retailers:
Digikey - PN:KE1110-ND
Techni-Tool - PN:488SO6775

Other solder tips

When stripping wire, only strip a tiny little bit of the insulation. Strip no more than a 1/32 of an inch. When the wire gets tinned with solder, the insulation will shrink back more. Try to not expose any more wire than half the length of the solder pad at most. In no case should solder or exposed wire wire ever be outside the boundary of the the solder pad you are attaching a wire to.
Click here for important information on properly Stripping and Tinning wire