Im a newbie in DCC installations, I have one loco with a tcs decoder in it and I would like to convert this atlas gp-38 to a tcs decoder was just wonderig if there was any tutorial for this. Just wondering if there is a way to install the tcs directly into the factory dcc decoder or if I have to remove the decoder and then install the TCS. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Greg
It depends on which Atlas GP38 you have. The early ones had a light board replacement decoder. New ones have a DCC socket that you can plug a decoder into. I have at least 3 of the new ones and it is just a matter of removing the plug from the socket and plugging in your decoder. In your case, just unplug the old decoder and replace it. I also have a few of the older ones. The existing decoder was 4 digit address capable, so I never removed it.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Purdue1 Im a newbie in DCC installations, I have one loco with a tcs decoder in it and I would like to convert this atlas gp-38 to a tcs decoder was just wonderig if there was any tutorial for this. Just wondering if there is a way to install the tcs directly into the factory dcc decoder or if I have to remove the decoder and then install the TCS. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Greg
Greg:
Here is a link to the TCS tutorial on how to install their decoder in an Atlas GP 38. Hope this helps. http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Atlas/GP-38/Gp-38.htm
Joe
Thank you for the link, I said TCS decoder what i meant to say is TCS keep alive forgot there was two sperate things. Is there a way to wire it into the current atlas board, or would I have to put the new tcs light board and hook the keep alive to it.
Which Atlas board do you have ? - 340, 341 or 342 ?
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
The board says #340
The Atlas #340 is a two function decoder. You'll need to remove this decoder and install the TCS decoder as a replacement if that's the route you want to take. The 6-pin jumper on the #340 board is to select analog or digital mode and is not intended to connect anything else to it.
http://www.atlasrr.com/dcc/Atlas_Decoder_Manual.pdf
TONY
"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)
The TCS Keep Alive modules are just a bunch of capacitors wired together. They can be added to just about any decoder, but you will have to find the negative output from the decoder's rectifier to wire it to(the positive is the function common or blue wire). There is some information on this page that should be helpful: Stay Alive for Decoders.