ESU loksound select sound decoder install into a walthers proto 2000 f7A with 8 pin plug

[Andrew D]

 Hello, I would like to install an 8 pin esu select direct decoder into this model. If I plug this decoder into the 8 pin socket on the larger board (model has two circuit boards- 8 pin and a nine pin on small board at the rear) do I need the rear small circuit board? can I remove it and use the space for a speaker

thanks 

[peahrens]

Can you validate which Select decoder you will use?  I thought (may be wrong) the Select Direct was a board replacement type with no plug.  I use Select 6Aux's a lot, which come with an 8-pin plug and some non-plug additional wires.  In my case, I've used one Direct, but put it in an Athearn GP9.  I've put 6Aux's in a bunch of diesels, but not F7s.  And I usually rip out the existing boards and lights and hard wire the decodeer, add new LED lighting and add speakers (making room if necessary).  Not as intimidating as it may sound.

Sorry I can't help further as I'm unfamiliar with the Walthers 2000 F units.  I checked the TCS site for related photos but did not find anything particularly helpful for this case. 

[hon30critter]

Hi Andrew.

If your ESU Loksound decoder has an 8 pin harness it is not  a Select Direct decoder. Here is what a Select Direct looks like:

http://www.esu.eu/en/products/loksound/loksound-select-direct/

Here is what a Loksound Select looks like. The 8 pin plug is not shown:

http://www.esu.eu/en/products/loksound/loksound-select/

The Select Direct is designed to replace the entire factory board, not attach to it. The Loksound website isn't very specific about which locomotives the 'Direct' will fit into. It does not mention Walthers engines. If you want to use a Direct decoder have a look at the original Walthers board and see if it looks anything like the Direct board.

If you want to retain the original board then you will need A Loksound Select with an 8 pin plug.

As far as removing the 9 pin part of the board, I can't see a problem but I'm not absolutely sure. Logic suggests that the 9 pin board serves to connect the decoder only. It wouldn't have any of the decoder logic controls built into it. If you don't get a definitive answer the way to approach it would be to plug your Loksound Select decoder into the 8 pin socket (make sure you have the plug the right way round), test to make sure everything is working and, if it is, pull the 9 pin board and test it again.

Dave

[Andrew D]

Sorry- It is not the select direct decoder-my brain cramp, It is the select series HO decoder with 8 pin plug. Thanks for the info gentlemen