I have a RTR SD45 w/DCC/Sound that I'm looking at installing this kit into.
Can the just the motor be switch out while keeping the original circuit board that has the sound?
My first impressions are that I can, but I'd like some thoughts on it before I tear into it.
Thanks.
TinindianCan the just the motor be switch out while keeping the original circuit board that has the sound?
I don't think so. The Genesis motor is different than the RTR. Take a close look, the RTR motor has the brass strip on the top that the board fits on to, that supplies the power to the board. The Genesis motor has 2 plastic buttons holding the board on, and the motor wires are soldered to the board.
Maybe I'm missing something, as I have some RTR, but not with sound, so I'm not familiar what decoder Athearn uses.
Won't the excisting sound decoder connect to the harness that's on the Genesis motor?
I've always had good responses from Athearn, by phone and email, maybe give them a call.
It looks like the Genesis kit won't be ready until July, so you have some time to investigate it.
Mike.
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mbinsewi Tinindian Can the just the motor be switch out while keeping the original circuit board that has the sound? I don't think so. The Genesis motor is different than the RTR. Take a close look, the RTR motor has the brass strip on the top that the board fits on to, that supplies the power to the board. The Genesis motor has 2 plastic buttons holding the board on, and the motor wires are soldered to the board. Maybe I'm missing something, as I have some RTR, but not with sound, so I'm not familiar what decoder Athearn uses. Won't the excisting sound decoder connect to the harness that's on the Genesis motor? I've always had good responses from Athearn, by phone and email, maybe give them a call. It looks like the Genesis kit won't be ready until July, so you have some time to investigate it. Mike.
Tinindian Can the just the motor be switch out while keeping the original circuit board that has the sound?
That's what I was afraid of.
The sound decoder looks like it's built into the OE board, there is nothing to unplug, so there doesn't appear to be any keeping the sound, which is disappointing.
I may have to place that call, thanks.
TinindianI may have to place that call, thanks.
As I mentioned, I've always had a good and quick response from them.
Does the RTR motor have issues?, or are you having problems with it? The few I have, all run great, nice and quiet, and I wouldn't hesitate putting sound in them.
I've searched a few times, and I can't come up with a picture of a RTR with DCC and sound, with the shell off, to see what Athearn uses, and any possible "work-a-rounds" for what your doing.
You can always consider other options, such as a Kato motor, but I'm thinking if Athearn is offering this kit, they might have a solution to your project of switching out motors, and keeping the sound.
Let us know what you find out.