This is sanity check. The stuff I've found on the Athearn DCC Sound-equipped locos (In this case, the Erie Lackawanna SDP45) is that out of the box it works with DCC.
What has me slightly confused is that I've also seen reference to an 8-pin DCC socket.
Do I need to get a second DCC decoder to drive the motor on these units>
Brammy,
If it's sound-equipped it means the decoder controls both the sound AND the motor. A motor-only decoder controls only the motor. Both are DCC...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Thank you.
As an adise, I thought I read somewhere on a friend's Kato locomotive's manual that it needed an 8-pin in addition to the on-board decoder. When we put it on the programming track it didn't register so I'm not sure if it needed the second decoder (which prompted this question).
Brammy:
"...out of the box it works with DCC..."
If it works, why would you need a second decoder? If the motor runs on DCC then you are set to go.
Using two decoders in one engine is pretty old hat, and when a second decoder was added it was usually done to add sound to an otherwise functional DCC locomotive.
The reference to an '8 pin' DCC socket simply means that the currently installed decoder is plugged into the locomotive via an 8 pin plug. If for some reason you wanted to replace the decoder, buying the new decoder with an 8 pin plug would make the change very quick and easy.
Obviously you are somewhat new to DCC. That's just fine. Keep asking questions and we will be happy to help you out. In the interim, there are lots of sources of DCC information, too many to even begin to list here. Google is your friend, but again, if you have a question then ask it. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
Cheers!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Brammy Thank you. As an adise, I thought I read somewhere on a friend's Kato locomotive's manual that it needed an 8-pin in addition to the on-board decoder. When we put it on the programming track it didn't register so I'm not sure if it needed the second decoder (which prompted this question).
Are you talking about your locomotive not working on DCC or the Kato locomotive?
If you are a DCC newby, I would recommend picking up a basic DCC book. Kalmbach has published several very good books over the years. Most discuss DCC theory and outline several easy projects.
Brammy This is sanity check. The stuff I've found on the Athearn DCC Sound-equipped locos (In this case, the Erie Lackawanna SDP45) is that out of the box it works with DCC. What has me slightly confused is that I've also seen reference to an 8-pin DCC socket. Do I need to get a second DCC decoder to drive the motor on these units>
You definitly have to do a lot of DCC research. There are different ways DCC locos are connected.
My Athearn steamers had a Quick Plug, a nine pin JST connection. Some diesels had that and then the eight pin.
Where did you read eight pin?
The first thing I always do is open the loco and see what I have.
It might help to post a photo here but that is another issue some have here.
The top of the Model Railroader forum has instructions on adding photos.
Different DCC companies have different ways of installing decoder boards and PC boards for plugging in a eight pin or nine pin decoder.
Some use six pin and now I am seeing 21 pin.
I have some that are a complete PC board with motor, light control and sound with no connector.
Have fun.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.