I would like to install a NCE decoder in an HO Athern SW1000. I talked to NCE and they suggested the D15 or the D13SRJ. Now Atherns says the loco has a "DCC ready wiring harness installed". After looking at the decoder models that NCE recommended, each appears to have a lot of wiring invovled which does not look "DCC ready" to me. Up to this point, I have only bought engines that will take the D14SR which is incredibly easy to install. Does anyone know if there is a simple decoder to put in this loco?
The last I knew, Athearn uses the "Quick Plug" arraignment which is 9 pin JST connector. Many other manufactures use the 8 pin NMRA arraignment. Two different styles of decoder plug ins. Decoders are sold with both options. Check with Litchfield or Tony's. Both companies are very helpful. I prefer Litchfield as Bruce usually answers a question the quickest.
Make sure you say sound or non sound.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Look again, the D13SRJ has no complex wiring. For Athearns with the 9-pin plug, you just plug it in to the D13SRJ and save the harness for something else. You could also use a TCS T1A which ahs the 9 pin plug and does not come with the wiring harness, which you don't need anyway.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hi Randy,
Thanks for the reply. I did take another look. I see a bunch of wires that have to be connected to something. However, are you saying the white connector at the end of the decoder comes off which separates the wire harness from the decoder board? And if that is correct, then I assume there is a connector inside the loco that connects to the decoder. Is that correct. From a novice stand point, the picture appears to be one assembly, not a harness attached to the decoder. I appreciate your clarification so that I could see that.
That's what the J in SRJ is - it has a 9-pin JST socket. The harness unplugs. For locos where you need to solder the wires in, this allows you ro repalce the decoder easily. For locos that already have the 9 pin plug in them, it means it takes about 2 seconds to install the decoder.
That is great information. Thank you.