I have never installed a dcc decoder and to try it with of my locos. Both have a 9pin harness. The 9 pin can be removed on the p2k gp30. Any suggestions for a basic decoder, no sound?
Are you sure the GP38 has a 9 pin socket? If it's a blue box model it won't have any socket unless some one put it there before you..
Anyway, if it doesn't, here's a good how-to from the TCS site, they have many more install instructions, check it out.
http://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/athearn-gp38-2/mc2
Here's from the same site for the GP38, which would be the same as your GP30.
http://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/life-proto-2000-gp38-2/m4p-35
For the GP30, use this decoder, it just plugs into the DCC plug, as it says in the instructions for the GP38, and your done:
http://tcsdcc.com/site-search?search_fulltext=LL8
Note that one LL8 is set up for LED's and the other is set up for the excisting 1.5v bulbs that came with the loco. Take your pick.
There are many options out there for both locos, besides TCS, but they have a good how-to on their web site, which is where I got these.
I normally use Digitrax, and they have a decoder selector drop-down menu on their web site:
http://www.digitrax.com/
Do a search for decoder installs on both locos, you'll see many tutorials and youtubes.
I'm not sure what TCS gets for their decoders, but the basic DH126 Digitrax, 2 function, gives you motor control and front and back light for about $20.
Mike.
My You Tube
Thanks Mike! You're correct the stock BB GP-38-2 does not include a nine pin connector. A friend tuned up this loco and installed the 9-pin JST harness for me. I am debating between Railpro and a conventional DCC system. Railpro sound or non-sound decoders plug directly into the 9 pin harness. At present my two Athearns and P2k GP30's have a nine pin harness installed so it would be a quick conversion to Railpro.
I'll probably catch some flack for this but the conventional system I am considering is the MRC Prodigy Advance 2 with Wifi. They have this created a well featured system that meets my needs for train operation. Plus, they also have access JMRI. The MRC system would be slightly higher in iniitial cost but adding throttles via wifi has zero cost. On the flipside, I really like how RP consists locos with load sharing and how their signal is via radio rather than via the rails. As I said, I'm still debating systems. NCE is my first choice in conventional systems but is far more expensive than the other two for walk around control.
Thanks for the decoder recommendations, I'll check them out!
I would stick with conventional dcc decoders, just for compatibility.
If you like the idea of using wifi to control the trains, in combination with an iPhone, iPad, Android phone or Android tablet, take a look at the Roco z21. Youtube videos will show you what you need to know about it.
The "white box" z21 can be had for less than $100 from European suppliers. You'll also need the companion TP Link modem, $40 or so. And a couple of "Euro-to-American" plug converters.