Installing decoders in older Athearn engines

[Waltie]

Has any one had experience installing DCC decoders in the Athearn engines made a few yrs ago?  Those I have have the brass flywheels and some have the earlier metal flywheels.  I think they are about the same except the wheel bearings and metal truck frames on the oldest ones.  I was wondering if some decoders work better than others

Waltie

 

[CNW 6000]

I have used DH123AT decoders in there without problem.  Measure the wires three times if need be and solder once.  Make sure you isolate the motor from the chassis and you should be ok.

[ShawneeHawk]

I have a DH163AT that I've started to install in one of my custom painted F units.  That big weight either needs to be discarded or modified significantly.  I was also trying to put a styrene post in the forward bracket, drill 2 holes in it, and install 1.5 bulbs with resistors.  Any suggestions?  David, I guess I could try the fiber optics route you described.  And is it possible to add sound with the DH163AT?

I've been in the hobby for many years, but feel like such a newbie with DCC and the advanced electonics.  Thanks.

[Bill54]

I installed a Digitrax DH123 decoder in an Athearn F7.  I taped the decoder to the rear of the weight and ran the wires through the center to the front.

I used some black shrink tubing that just fit around a 5mm LED and glued it in the shell.  I slid the light in the tube that points it directly through the headlight. 

Finished product

Bill

[jasperofzeal]

Then there is this helpful video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZku8qp0BBs.  (not by me)

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Use a Digitrax DZ123 and space is no longer an issue.

Current Rating 1.00 Amp (2.0 Amps Peak) Size 0.36” x 0.55 x 0.13” 9.14mm x 13.97mm x 3.3mm Installation Wired Function Outputs 2-500mA Function Type FX3 Features Economy Series 3
	$19.99 msrp

 

[Johnnny_reb]

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1339186/ShowPost.aspx

Ta-da!

David B

Great link to a Great thread!

[ShawneeHawk]

Bill, thanks...those pictures helped a lot, as I am also dealing with the super weight.  The other link and You Tube video were also helpful.