Athearn Genesis F3 DCC Ready - Choosing the Right Decoder

[wrench567]

   Tom.

 I recently put sound in a pair of Bowser Baldwin switchers using the Next 18 nano Loksound plugged into a WVD interface board designed for Kato N scale locomotive. An 11x13 sugar cube with enclosure fit nicely over the hood end truck tower with a minimum of Dremel work. Great sound and motor control out of such a tiny decoder. The Nano decoder is smaller than the TCS MC2 decoder it replaced. Reading about the N18 interface they actually use four pins for motor connections.

    Pete.

[Water Level Route]

richhotrain

I have two other pairs of Athearn Genesis F3s, both with factory installed sound (Soundtraxx Tsunami). Both pairs came with shells attached, so I have no idea what the chassis look like with the shells removed. I don't know if the decoders are 8-pin, 9-pin or 21-pin. Now, I am curious, but I will leave it at that.

Rich, for what it's worth, I've got a Genesis F3 that came sound equipped that I replaced the decoder for a new one.  It wasn't any of the pin options you list, but was rather a direct fit board.  Like this:

https://soundtraxx.com/products/econami-digital-sound-decoders/eco-pnp/

 

[richhotrain]

Water Level Route

 

richhotrain

I have two other pairs of Athearn Genesis F3s, both with factory installed sound (Soundtraxx Tsunami). Both pairs came with shells attached, so I have no idea what the chassis look like with the shells removed. I don't know if the decoders are 8-pin, 9-pin or 21-pin. Now, I am curious, but I will leave it at that. 

Rich, for what it's worth, I've got a Genesis F3 that came sound equipped that I replaced the decoder for a new one.  It wasn't any of the pin options you list, but was rather a direct fit board.  Like this: 

https://soundtraxx.com/products/econami-digital-sound-decoders/eco-pnp/ 

Mike, I just wanted non-sound decoders for this pair of locos, and I needed a 21-pin connection between the motherboard and the decoder.

Rich

[richhotrain]

I want to thank everyone who replied to my thread. I learned a lot about 21-pin decoders, and I particularly appreciate the specific recommendations for an appropriate decoder.

I have decided to go with the Soundtraxx MC1H104P21, based upon price and functionality. I wanted something simple in a non-sound decoder since the lighting on the F3AB consist is pretty basic, a dual headlight and a backup light. There are no Mars lights on this model, no ditch lights, no lighted numberboards, so my requirements were pretty basic.

Thanks again to all who replied to this thread.

Rich

[wrench567]

   Your welcome Rich.

    Pete.

[blabride]

Rich,

The soundtraxx MC1H104P21 is a great easy drop in for that loco. You will love it. It is also an easy to speed match it with other's using the same decoder or even the Economi's.

SB

[richhotrain]

blabride

Rich,

The soundtraxx MC1H104P21 is a great easy drop in for that loco. You will love it. It is also an easy to speed match it with other's using the same decoder or even the Economi's.

SB 

Thanks, SB, I will report back with the results.

Rich

[richhotrain]

richhotrain

 

blabride

Rich,

The soundtraxx MC1H104P21 is a great easy drop in for that loco. You will love it. It is also an easy to speed match it with other's using the same decoder or even the Economi's.

SB  

Thanks, SB, I will report back with the results. 

Rich 

Well, it took 12 days to get the two Soundtraxx MC1H104P21 decoders, but I finally got them installed today. As predicted, it worked like a charm. They are drop-in decoders after removing the DC plug. I appreciate everyone's help and advice.

I sure miss my LHS where I could have had the decoders at least 10 days ago, but what the heck. This little project is done now.

Rich

[wrench567]

   Rich.

 Glad it turned out good for you. How do they run?

     Pete.

[richhotrain]

wrench567

   Rich.

 Glad it turned out good for you. How do they run?

     Pete. 

Thanks for asking, Pete. They run just fine and are excellent pullers. I went with non-sound decoders in this A-B consist, although I do have two other Athearn Genesis consists (one A-A and one A-B), both factory equipped with Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders. My oldest set of passenger diesels is an Athearn Genesis ABBA consist in which I installed non-sound decoders. Lots of details on the Genesis diesels starting with the Highliner shells.

Rich

[riogrande5761]

Are the tsu1 or tsu2?