Replacement sound/DCC decoder for P2K SW8

[Glenn Campbell]

Hello all.

After years of disappointing performance from the factory equipped sound/DCC P2K SW8 (stalling), I've decided that it's time for an upgrade.

I've looked at adding a "keep-alive" to the unit but would likely need to sacrifice the cab interior to make room.  My preference would be to replace the sound/DCC board with one that has keep-alive built-in.

Can anyone put me in the right direction on this?

Many thanks,

Glenn

[rrinker]

 I don;t think any of the built in ones will fit. The keep alive capacitors take up X amount of room. If directly attached to the decoder, they take up space where the board goes - in the narrow hood. Theres not much smace in that small switcher for a sound decoder AND a decent keep alive.

 Depending on the current draw - you MIGHT be able to use the Loksound Select Micro which sould be smalelr than the factory board, and elave room for a keep alive in the same space.

 Easiest option, if you haven't done so, is swap out the traction tire wheelset for the one without, so you get all 8 wheels picking up power, at the expense of pullign power. But a loco that stalls doesn't pull anything. Powering switch frogs and otherwise making sure you have a good supply of feeders (no track should ever depend on unsoldered rail joiners for power) will go a long way towards reliable operation without the expense of a keep alive. Plus it improves the running of ALL your locos, not just the one.

                             --Randy

[tstage]

Glenn,

The non-sound versions were not very good runners either.   I guess that's why they were dumping them a few year back.  I think I paid $40 for one and the handrailing along the side is crooked on ALL of them.  I only $25 for my Proto 2000 S1 and it runs great...

Tom

Tom

[Glenn Campbell]

Thank you both.  As everything else I own runs flawlessly I'm guessing a cab interior sacrifice is the only option other than disposal.