Question about Athearn RTR's and sound

[alexstan]

I know some of the newer Athearn RTR's have *both* the 8pin and the nine pin DCC plug now, but for those older Athearn RTR's which have only the 9pin JST Quick Plug, how do you convert those to sound? I am referring to the 8Pin Loksound Select. The 2nd Generation only has the 8Pin plug. Do you recommend I clip both the plug off the decoder and the JST plug off the Quick Plug Harness, and hard-wire the decoder in that way? Or should I remove the stock Athearn RTR board alltogether, and hardwire the decoder in directly? Opinions anyone?

[simon1966]

I replace the entire board, free up space, and since I usually replace the lights anyway I have full control over the installation.

[cacole]

I always remove the Athearn constant lighting board and hard-wire decoders, changing to LED lights in the process.

The newer Athearn boards that snap onto the top of the motor have very unreliable contact with the motor.

[JoeinPA]

I have to agree on removing the light board. In addition to making space I've had 2 Athearn RTR's (GP 35s) that had miswired boards. I removed the boards and hard wired both and had no problems.

Joe

[alexstan]

So what do you do to replace the lights? (The microbulbs)

[alexstan]

alexstan

So what do you do to replace the lights? (The microbulbs)

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/hoathearnledassemblies.html I found these. Anyone used these? I just ordered a kit.

[JoeinPA]

Looks interesting. Let us know how it works out.

Joe

[rrinker]

Just made the link clickable

alexstan

alexstan

So what do you do to replace the lights? (The microbulbs)

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/hoathearnledassemblies.html I found these. Anyone used these? I just ordered a kit.