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MTH DCC-Ready decoder

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  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Moncton, NB, Canada
  • 113 posts
MTH DCC-Ready decoder
Posted by cndash9 on Monday, October 4, 2010 1:23 PM

Hi everyone, I'm just wondering what you folks have been using for decoder in your new DCC-ready MTH SD70ACe/M-2?

Thanks in advance,

John

Tags: MTH
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Trois-Rivieres Quebec Canada
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by jalajoie on Monday, October 4, 2010 2:29 PM

I am expecting mine only next week, I will probably install a TCS 4 functions into it

What bugs me with that particular engine is that one has to completely remove the hands rails and completely disable both trucks in order to remove the shell. This I consider poor engineering.

I addition to that there is some thing I don't quite understand in the instructions.

Here is a quote :

"To install your DCC decoder:

Step 1:

 

 

Remove the engine's body. (See pages 6&7)

Step 2:

- Number Board

- Ditch Light

- Alternate Lighting Supply

- NMRA Header (both jumpers)

Step 3:

 

 

Connect your DCC decoder to the 8-pin NMRA header on your MTH

engine board. Follow your DCC decoder's manufacturer's instructions carefully"

If you understand that can you explain it to me?

Jack W.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Monday, October 4, 2010 4:23 PM

jalajoie

I am expecting mine only next week, I will probably install a TCS 4 functions into it

What bugs me with that particular engine is that one has to completely remove the hands rails and completely disable both trucks in order to remove the shell. This I consider poor engineering.

I addition to that there is some thing I don't quite understand in the instructions.

Here is a quote :

"To install your DCC decoder:

Step 1:

 

 

Remove the engine's body. (See pages 6&7)

Step 2:

- Number Board

- Ditch Light

- Alternate Lighting Supply

- NMRA Header (both jumpers)

Step 3:

 

 

Connect your DCC decoder to the 8-pin NMRA header on your MTH

engine board. Follow your DCC decoder's manufacturer's instructions carefully"

If you understand that can you explain it to me?

Here's a link to the manual:

http://www.mthtrains.com/sites/default/files/download/instruction/80dl14000i.pdf

It's actually pretty simple.

1. you do not have to completely remove the handrails. Just the parts that connect to the cab. This is shown in the documentation

2. I was able to get to the tabs without taking the trucks apart. Just turn the trucks to the side and use a thin screw driver to push unclip the tabs.  Then slowly wiggle the shell off. 

According to the documentation the nice thing about these loco's is that if you have extra functions, they give you tabs and jumpers to control items separately such as number board.

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Trois-Rivieres Quebec Canada
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by jalajoie on Monday, October 4, 2010 4:39 PM

Thanks Hamtlnblue for the tip on removing the shell.

I did read the manual it is the instructions to install the decoder pages 11 and 12 that I can't decipher, language barrier I guess. Probably, it will be easier when the guts of the loco will be in front of me.

Jack W.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 39 posts
Posted by bnsfrailfan24 on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 2:09 PM

Ive removed the shell from my ddc ready version it wasn't to complicated it is a very well built engine though dont have to worry to much about breaking parts

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 39 posts
Posted by bnsfrailfan24 on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 2:10 PM

question though if anyone is putting sound in there dcc ready version are you using two speakers or one the fuel tank is equipped with two housings

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