I guess the title says it all. But for one item: this would be a non-sound decoder as I don't want to fuss with speakers and all. TCS does not have an installation page or suggestion for this loco that I can find.
The light board has an installed 8-pin socket and a harness that terminates in a 9-pin plug. If a 9-pin decoder is used it simply replaces the dummy chip that the DCC-ready loco came with.
As mentioned, I prefer TCS as its what I've installed to upgrade a dozen other locos and I like the BEMF. I am willing to consider other options, though.
John (the Attuvian one)
My choice would be the old reliable T1 or T4 plugged into the 9 pin plug. Simple and easy.
Pete.
Thanks, Pete. I've probably already got an extra T1 kicking around here. What's the difference between the two?
John
Hi John.
The T1 only has head and reverse light function. The T4 has four function outputs.
John,
According to the TCS website, the T1 has been discontinued. That doesn't mean you can't find it online somewhere like Litchfield Station or TTE.
As Pete already stated, the T4 is a 4-function decoder. The newer versions come with Keep-alive wires.
If space is somewhat cramped, I would recommend the MC2. Like the T-series, you can outfit it with the harness size that you need. It also comes in a 4-function version.
With my Proto 2000 GP7, I used the TCS LL8. A bit of overkill on the functions but it was a direct board swap out and had built-in 1.5V pads for the front & rear warm LEDs I installed for the headlights.
Love TCS decoders. It's my go-to motor-only decoder for non-sound installations. I LOVE seeing my locomotive start out slow-and-smooth.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Attuvian1TCS does not have an installation page or suggestion for this loco that I can find.
Decoder manufacturers generally only put installation info in for engines that require extra work, like a lightboard replacement or hardwiring in a decoder harness for an older, pre-DCC engine. If an engine has a 'plug and play' DCC receptacle, any manufacturer's 8 or 9 pin decoder (TCS, NCE, Digitrax, etc.) can just be plugged into it. So it's only a question of which decoder brand you like, it isn't like one company's decoder will work better with that particular engine.
Hello All,
Most of my after-market non-sound decoder installations; NMRA 8-pin or hardwired, have been Digitrax; DH126 and DH166 series.
Some fitted with PH108-2 Power Xtenders (Energy Storage Devices).
I have installed TCS KAM4LED decoders (hardwired) and they do play well with the other decoders- -speed matching.
These have Keep Alive® and support LEDs without having to use resistors.
Given your preference for TCS, and your need for an 8-pin NMRA to 9-pin JST harness, I would recommend either the KAT24 or the T4X.
The T4X now has a plug/jack to add a Keep Alive® whereas the KAT24 has this feature built-in.
Neither of these support LEDs and do need resistors if using LEDs.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
jjdamnit Hello All, Most of my after-market non-sound decoder installations; NMRA 8-pin or hardwired, have been Digitrax; DH126 and DH166 series. Some fitted with PH108-2 Power Xtenders (Energy Storage Devices). I have installed TCS KAM4LED decoders (hardwired) and they do play well with the other decoders- -speed matching. These have Keep Alive® and support LEDs without having to use resistors. Given your preference for TCS, and your need for an 8-pin NMRA to 9-pin JST harness, I would recommend either the KAT24 or the T4X. The T4X now has a plug/jack to add a Keep Alive® whereas the KAT24 has this feature built-in. Neither of these support LEDs and do need resistors if using LEDs. Hope this helps.
There is no need for an 8 - 9 pin harness for that locomotive. Remove the jumper from the 9 pin JST and plug the decoder into it. The resistors on the motherboard will take care of the lighting requirements.