Athearn Norfolk Southern 911 Unit

[Captain_Bill12]

I figured it out. You can put a ESU Loksound Select 21 pin decoder into the new NS 911 unit. You need to download the correct SD60E project. The project I downloaded had a picture of the NS veterans unit in it. The project number was 75857. The LOK Programmer will change the project as needed if it is not the correct decoder project for the decoder you are using. I was able to upload screen shots to the ESU forums. Here is the link to the specific post: http://www.esu.eu/en/forum/forums-overview/topic/loksound_lokpilot_support-1/athearn_norfolk_southern_911_unit/

If you have any questions please reach out to me and I will try to help.

Thank you all for the answers

-Best Regards,

Bill

 

[rrinker]

 That is almost what the issue is. Eurpoean manufacturers started using the 21 pin format before any of the US decoder makers, and the standard was set where the higher function outputs are low level, meaning they need a transistor on the motherboard (or similar driver circuit) to be able to drive full loads like an LED. Along comes the US manufacturers and the NMRA and sets them all to be full power outputs. Shame on them. 

 To use a Loksound decoder in this loco, use a Select Direct and replace all the factory junk, or replace the motherboard with an ESU motherboard plus a 21 pin Loksound decoder (but that's pretty much what the Select Direct is)/

 There is a huge advantage of having all but the most common functios use low pwoer drivers. Chief among them is the decoder can be smaller, and you are only paying for the extra drivers if you need them (buy buying a motherboard with the extra outputs). With 21 pins available in the connection, you can have a lot more than the max 6 functions common on other decoder. Also, by putting the drivers off the decoder, you can have high power drivers for high current things like smoke generators. Same old decoder drives it all, but instead of say a 150ma function line on the motherboard, you have a 500ma line. 

                                  --Randy

[gmpullman]

Hi, Captain

I don't have any first-hand knowledge but I believe another ESU decoder will have the same pin assignments.

I seem to recall Matt Herman mention the differences in pin assignments and the problems, mostly with AUX 3 and 4 lighting.

Maybe this article will help.

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/21mtcconnector.html

With the ESU decoders being very easy to reassign functions, that may be the best way around this.

Or here:

https://sites.google.com/site/markgurries/home/decoders/decoder-plugs-sockets/21-pin-plug-issues

 

Sorry I couldn't offer more help,

Regards, Ed

[Captain_Bill12]

I have just acquired a DCC ready version of NS's 911. Athearn uses Tsunami 2 sound decoders. I am installing all ESU Loksound sound decoders into all of my diesel fleet. Does anyone have any clue which Loksound decoder will fit onto the 21 pin socket and operate the locomotive properly. I have tried a loksound select and right out of the box the lights do not work correctly. I have no control of the rear ditch lights currently. I am still working with the decoder to see if I can make it work but wanted to check and see if anyone else has tried using a different Loksound decoder in NS 911.