Hey there folks. I'm looking for some help in installing a couple of Digitrax decoders. This is the first time I've ever tried this so I'm hoping to find some very explicit instructions about how to proceed. I've got an Atlas Alco S-2 and an Athearn SD45 that I want to put them in. Does anybody have any links that might run through these installs? Pictures would be especially helpful. Thanks
Welcome to the Trainboard Slugger, Just for fun, I scowered the web looking for info on DCC in the Athearn SD45, and I could not find any info whatsoever. I just converted an N-Scale Kato SD45 to DCC last week, and that required frame cutting, but I'm sure there is plenty of room in an HO shell. I had installed several decoders in Athearn locomotives for my father in law a few years ago, and I just stuck the decoder in available places by the motor with double sticky foam tape, and I had to remove some long metal contact strips from the motor terminals. The one thing I can suggest is when you get it installed, be very sure to measure resistance from your motor terminals to the wheels with an ohmeter. The orange and grey wires must not have continuity with the black or red wires or the decoder will pop! I just learned that expensive lesson a couple weeks ago. I see from your handle that you are in the bay area, there is a shop called Digital Bay in San Lorenzo (inside the hobby shop) and they guy "Gordon" who sold me my NCE DCC system knows a lot about DCC, and may be able to answer or direct you to more help. Also, I'm in Fremont and am willing to look at those loco's for you.
Welcome to TrainBoard Slugger There is a train store on VanNess south of Lombard on the east side of the street that might be able to help you. I forgot the name of it.
Hi Slugger. Here is a link for u. U will get a complete guide for installation. Just click on the decoder that u have. if u don't have it yet than choose one of the 123s http://www.digitrax.com/pdfdocs.htm Have fun [ 31. December 2002, 11:15: Message edited by: railery ]
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/ttxexclusive_decs.htm - AtlasSW decoder, perfect fit for the Atlas S2 - with this available, I wouldn't even bother with the hassle of another decoder. I've done four of these, very easy.
Harron, thanks for the reminder. I stumbled across Tony's the other day and saw what looked to be a good solution. Its good to hear from someone who's succeeded with the installation.
