Decoder for Athearn CW44-9

[rxanand]

I just bought an Athearn C44-9 (RTR) for which I would like to install a non-sound decoder - just something simple with good speed regulation. I opened the shell and to my surprise, I saw two sockets for decoders - both the NMRA 8 pin and the newer 9 pin linear socket. See attached picture. Does this mean I could plug a decoder into either socket? What would be a good decoder for this locomotive?

Thanks

Anand

 

[locoi1sa]

Anand

  I used T1 from TCS plugged into the nine 9 pin plug. Perfect decoder for this unit. Back EMF for excellent slow speed and great lighting.

    Pete

[cacole]

Whichever socket you use, you must remove the dummy plug from both or you could fry the decoder.

[rxanand]

Thanks for the pointers. Interestingly enough, there is a dummy plug only on the 9pin socket. Also, the TCS decoder seems perfect for the job.

[CPRF7]

Hi Anand i have a similar problem i just bought a similar board that you have pictured and was told it was  dcc decoder board

it has the same 8 and 9 pin connectors but i have no wiring diagram to connect it to the loco could you maybe help me with some more photos or a mud map of what pins are connect to what sources i.e lights and pickups etc.

What is pluged into the linear plug in your picture

Regards Paul

[bnsf80]

  I also highly recommend the TCS T1. Excellent choice and great performance decoder.     PW

[rxanand]

A quick update - I posted the original message. Following everyone's suggestion, I bought a TCS T1 and have been very happy with the performance. The T1 decoder has the 9 pin plug. I have not plugged anything into the NMRA 8 pin socket - its empty.

[wholeman]

 

rxanand

A quick update - I posted the original message. Following everyone's suggestion, I bought a TCS T1 and have been very happy with the performance. The T1 decoder has the 9 pin plug. I have not plugged anything into the NMRA 8 pin socket - its empty.

You don't need to plug in anything more.  I might suggest if you purchase any more of these units in the future, that you might want to purchase a decoder with four lighting outputs.  That way, you can add ditch lights later and have the correct decoder to power them.

[chpthrls]

Hi Anand

     If you go to the TCS website, there are easy to follow instructions for installing decoders into nearly every locomotive known to mankind. They are accompanied by clear and close-up photos of the installs (TCS decoders of course). Even simple and concise directions for hard wiring decoders into older Athearns that have to be isolated electrically.                   Gerry S.