So, bear with me. If I get an 8 pin dcc and sound decoder, and slap it in a locomotive (ie-connect it to existing 8 pin port in loco), will that work? My gut tells me yes but... ya know, I've been wrong before. Again, dumb question so don't shame me more than is absolutely necissary!
JJF
Prototypically modeling the Great Northern in Minnesota with just a hint of freelancing.
Yesterday is History.
Tomorrow is a Mystery.
But today is a Gift, that is why it is called the Present.
Yes. If it's a single sound-equiped decoder, the speaker plugs into the decoder, not the plug on the loco. Enjoy!
Simon
All most all of my decoders came with 8 pin connectors. When I wired my locomotives for DCC I installed the 8 pin connectors in all but a couple. All of my fleet (70+) are transition era so I don’t need more than 8 pins.I did put a dob of red paint next to the red wire on both the socket and plugs to prevent accidental reversal.I did go with a few 9 pin connectors for ease of installation on a few Model Power E7s. The Digitrax decoder plugs into the 9 pin connector but I still used the 8 pin for distribution of the lighting to the shell and trailing E7B.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Is there a particular locomotive you have in mind? Some are easier than others for using "Plug & Play" decoder installs.
Many are adopting the 21 pin MTC plug. Some Athearn and perhaps others, have a harness inside that will accept both the 8pin NMRA or a 9 pin JST plug.
The TCS Installs pages are a good reference for many DCC installs, at least to give you an idea of what things look like under the hood:
https://tcsdcc.com/installations
Good Luck, Ed
gmpullman Is there a particular locomotive you have in mind? Some are easier than others for using "Plug & Play" decoder installs. Many are adopting the 21 pin MTC plug. Some Athearn and perhaps others, have a harness inside that will accept both the 8pin NMRA or a 9 pin
Many are adopting the 21 pin MTC plug. Some Athearn and perhaps others, have a harness inside that will accept both the 8pin NMRA or a 9 pin
Yeah, it's a mehano 2-6-0 with an a 8 pin plug. The decoder (Digitrax model) I am looking at has the motor and light connection on one side and the speaker and keep alive on the other end with a separate plug. Thanks everyone. I am confident this will work.