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How many function(s) decoder do I need for the following

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  • Member since
    December 2012
  • 165 posts
How many function(s) decoder do I need for the following
Posted by Missouri Pacific BNSF on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 10:28 AM

I am getting ready to buy a couple decoders; one for an Athearn RTR DCC Ready gas turbine that I want to operate head and tail lights, the beacon light, the number board, and mars lights (all of which can come on at once and stay on for all I care... The other for a Athearn RTR switcher and will only operate head and tail lights and the number board.  Also, will I have to replace the existing lights all with LED's? Thanks for the help!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:02 AM

For the first, 5, if you want the number boards to be independent. For the second, 3 if you want the number boards independent.

 You will definitely need to repalce the bulbs with LEDs to get what you want. Ulrich Models had ready made lighting upgrade kits for the Turbine, but not the switcher, that will require a little work on your part.

                 --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2012
  • 165 posts
Posted by Missouri Pacific BNSF on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:15 AM

Will I need a decoder on top of the lighting kit for the Turbine or does the kit take care of making the locomotive DCC?  Thanks

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:55 AM

You still need a decoder. The light kit merely repalces all the light bulbs with LEDs.

            --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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