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DH165LO

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  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: CA
  • 12 posts
DH165LO
Posted by datashead on Thursday, January 13, 2011 8:27 PM

Hello, I picked up a DH165LO decoder for my proto 2000 GP20, and I really don't understand how to install it. Would anyone out there have a picture of one of these installed in a P2K GP20 or similliar?

Thanks

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, January 13, 2011 8:49 PM

What's not to understand?

Do you have the booklet that comes with the decoder?

It is an 8 page booklet.  On page 2 is a 5 step process to install the decoder along with three illustrations.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: CA
  • 12 posts
Posted by datashead on Thursday, January 13, 2011 9:02 PM

Yes, I do have the booklet, but my GP20 does not have a DCC socket like the GP7 in the pictures.

 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, January 13, 2011 9:13 PM

Ahh, you must have an older version loco that is not DCC Ready.

You need to wait for someone to sign on here who can explain what needs to be done to make it DCC Ready.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Friday, January 14, 2011 11:53 AM

 The BEST way to do this is to hard wire the decoder. TCS has a good photo essay on how to do that:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Life_Like/Proto_2000_GP20/GP20_M1-T1/GP20.htm

You can use a DH123D if you don't want to use the TCS T1 but I prefer the TCS decoders.

                             --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • 49 posts
Posted by emman on Friday, January 14, 2011 1:01 PM

This decoder is a plug in decoder and not real suitable for hardwiring although in this hobby of ours, I'm sure someone has hardwired a plug in decoder. I can think of two options:

1 - Return it to the seller for a decoder that can be hardwired, like those mentioned. Another Digitrax option is a DH163D.

2 - Put this decoder in another locomotive with an 8 pin plug and buy a new wired decoder for the GP20.

Good luck!

Emman

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: South Carolina
  • 1,719 posts
Posted by Train Modeler on Friday, January 14, 2011 1:23 PM

It's kind of a pain, but you can solder wires to a mating 8 pin plug and then plug it in.    I did the installation on an older GP20 and added sound, so I had to mill/cut the frame too.   

BTW, depending on the number of light functions you want, the 8 pin plug may not be enough.    I rarely use the 8 pin plug due to this limitation.

Richard

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: CA
  • 12 posts
Posted by datashead on Friday, January 14, 2011 6:15 PM

Some good ideas, thank you everyone, I will probably hard wire one in.

Thanks!

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