Loksound Decoder Selection & Use

[Arto]

I have some Athearn Genesis DCC ready F7 [ATHG22506]  [ATHG22505]

I want to add DCC & sound. Is the Loksound 73400 the correct decoder for this? Does this decoder just plug into the 8 pin connector on the light board (as opposed to installing a whole new board like Loksound Select Direct? And all I have to do is wire in a speaker? Or do I also have to rewire all the lights?

[woodone]

On the Athearn site I could not find these. I did find non sould F-7's. The information on the ones I saw said that there was a DCC 8 pin plug in.

For lights you must use an resistor has Athearn uses 1.5 volt light bulbs.

I think that I would go to an 1.5 regulator board from someone for the light power.

 

[Arto]

http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATHG22506

So, I can't leave the lights connected as they are (to the original light board with the 8-pin Loksound 73400 installed) and still control the lights?

[hon30critter]

Hi Arto:

The 73400 Select decoder is the right style of decoder but it doesn't come with a sound file installed if you order that exact stock #. You will have to have someone load the sound file for you. However, you can buy the exact same decoder with your specific sound already installed but it will be a different stock#. There are many choices. I know that the F7s had and EMD 567 engines but there were variations. I'm not exactly sure which is the correct file. 

Here is a link to Tony's Train Exchange. They are a large DCC dealer and they will know which sound file you want. They also have good prices. Give them a call. They are happy to help. 

1-800-978-3472

This is the Loksound Select page:

https://tonystrains.com/product/esu-73400-loksound-select-6aux-sound-decoder/

Athearn light bulbs have a reputation for burning out. You will get much better results using LEDs. Just remember that you will need a resistor between the decoder and the light regardless of whether it is a bulb or an LED. I have installed dozens of LEDs but I don't have any Athearn engines so I can't tell you exactly which LEDs would be best. Hopefully someone who has installed LEDs in an Athearn F7 will chime in.

There is a current thread about basic LED info here:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/258887.aspx

Dave

[rrinker]

For an F unit you are ok with a decoder that plugs in to the 8 pin plug, but for other models, the Select Direct board replacement is almost as easy to install and has all the connections fo rthe extra like beacons and ditch lights. If the F unit has seperate number board lights and/or calss lights, you also would want the Select Direct rather than the 8 pin version.

 Most of the big name dealers like Tony's will load the peroper sound file for you when ordering.

                      --Randy