Anyone install a decoder in the Intermountain FT's? I know Digitrax announced one, just wanted to see if anyone here had tried one out. Thanks, Harold
Harold: I've installed the Digitrax decoder in the Intermountain FT's. It's very easy. In the "A" unit remove the front coupler and then the shell. The "B" unit shell should lift right off. Remove the lightboards and drop-in the decoder. Make sure the decoder is lined with some Kapton tape in the appropriate areas to prevent contact with the frame. On some of the first run of IM FT's the lightboard is hardwired to the loco motor contacts. In that case remove the lightboard and wire your decoder to the motor contact's on the frame. Have fun... Stay cool and run steam....
Harold: The second decoder installation surprised me when I received a set of FT's from BLW. It must have been from the initial run of IM FT's. I didn't expect to see the lightboard hardwired to the motor contacts on the frame. Leave it to Pete Postel..... I knew the price was too good to be true. Stay cool and run steam......
I had one set from each run as well. Hard wired DZ123's in all 4 units. Took about an hour total. Decoder fits lettering down in the slot . No cutting required. Figured since I had to solder the light wires and remove the motor wires on two, might as well save a few dollars. Smaller decoders like the TCS M1 and Lenz gold mini's (man are they small) woulld fit with some breathing room. Martin Myers
Thanks, Martin... I have a lot of stuff on my bench to do, do I don't know if this will be my first attempt at a hardwire or not. Harold
