All: I need to know if the NCE silent decoder, #DA-SA, can be used with the new Athearn GP28-2 and how is this done. It is a drop in decoder board with 4 posts on each end and 2 posts on the side. The loco has the frame ground wire.
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Yes, the DA-SR will work in an Athearn GP38-2. I have a couple of those locos with board replacement-type decoders such as the DA-SR and they worked out fine.
I don't know of any instructions on the Web that show that particular installation, but for both of mine, I simply stuck the decoder to the top of the motor using double-sided tape.
Then, the DA-SR instructions show a pretty clear view of the board layout and connections.
Combine that with some instructions for installing a wired decoder in that loco, and you should be able to map it out. (TCS example here.) It's just that the connections will be made to tabs on the decoder instead of the (NMRA color-coded) wire connections.
If it is the newer DCC ready type loco then a 9 pin JST decoder like the D13SRJ would be a plug in decoder for Athearns new board. http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Athearn/GP35_DCC_Ready/Athearn_GP35_DCC_Ready.html
Even though it is a GP35 it should be very similar to the GP38.
You could use the DASR but you will have to change out the lights or add resistors. And it is a lot more work for you.
Pete
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locoi1sa Even though it is a GP35 it should be very similar to the GP38.
Nope, I have three RTR GP35's and two RTR GP38-2's, so I can say with certainty that's not the case.
The GP35 uses the former RPP shells and as such is equipped with a light board with what Athearn calls their "Quick-DCC Plug".
On the other hand, all the Athearn GP38-2's, even the most-recently announced ones, use the old BB shell and drive and do not have a light board or DCC plug. Therefore, they must be hard-wired as I mentioned in my original post.
Thanks for setting me straight. I have done quite few older Athearn and a few newer ones with the board. But I am a steam guy mostly and to me all diesels look alike. I own more than 40 locos and 8 are diesels. The guys in the club give me their locos for decoder installs and they all look alike.
Thanks.