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Post by csxt8400 on Nov 18, 2021 6:23:27 GMT -8
Looking for information on how much of a headache this swap would be.
Not mentioning the obvious in terms of better speaker options, is this swap not a plug and play? I guess I figured it would be no different than buying a DCC ready unit and getting any 21 pin decoder to fit. How correct or incorrect is this assumption?
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Post by jonklein611 on Nov 18, 2021 6:50:23 GMT -8
Depends on the specific model. If it's 21 pin or 8 pin it should be dead simple. If the speaker is the correct resistance then it becomes even easier. Worst case you're looking at swapping speakers out. Hardwire or board based ones may require more effort.
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Post by csxt8400 on Nov 18, 2021 6:53:32 GMT -8
Depends on the specific model. If it's 21 pin or 8 pin it should be dead simple. If the speaker is the correct resistance then it becomes even easier. Worst case you're looking at swapping speakers out. Hardwire or board based ones may require more effort. Thank you. I've been buying Genesis engines with sound the last few years to cut down on my projects. But there are certain locomotives I'd want with Loksound, so the idea was to swap in the Lok decoder and throw the tsunami in an engine that I dont have sound in. |
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Post by Mark R. on Nov 18, 2021 9:39:41 GMT -8
If swapping decoders in Athearn engines that are still using bulbs, you may run into some issues as the Loksound decoders do not support 1.5 volt bulbs directly. If the current decoder is a board type, you might want to obtain some Athearn DCC Ready boards that have the decoder plug on them. Those factory boards have 1.5 volt regulators on them to drive the bulbs.
Mark.
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Post by csxt8400 on Nov 18, 2021 9:53:22 GMT -8
If swapping decoders in Athearn engines that are still using bulbs, you may run into some issues as the Loksound decoders do not support 1.5 volt bulbs directly. If the current decoder is a board type, you might want to obtain some Athearn DCC Ready boards that have the decoder plug on them. Those factory boards have 1.5 volt regulators on them to drive the bulbs. Mark. Most of the swaps are going to be units with LED's, like the recent SD60M/SD70/GP38-2 etc. I haven't cracked open any of these yet, am I wrong to assume it's not a plug style from the factory? |
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Post by Gino Damen on Nov 18, 2021 12:21:43 GMT -8
Just look at the exploded parts diagram of the engine. If the decoder is add-on a swap should be easy. The more recent Athearn engines use the 21MTC connector so a swap should be easy because even the speaker is routed through the connector.
But the only way to be sure is to open them up and have a look at the installed board.
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Post by csxt8400 on Nov 18, 2021 12:29:38 GMT -8
Just look at the exploded parts diagram of the engine. If the decoder is add-on a swap should be easy. The more recent Athearn engines use the 21MTC connector so a swap should be easy because even the speaker is routed through the connector. But the only way to be sure is to open them up and have a look at the installed board. Perfect, thank you. |
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