DCC decoders with old Athearn motors?

[David]

Hi Guys,

 

I'm sure there are some guys here who have fitted decoders to Athearn SD9 and SD45 chassis/motors. Is there any specific decoder that anyone recommends or are they fairly accepting of most decoders?

 

Thanks in advance

 

David

[irishthump]

Hi Guys,

 

I'm sure there are some guys here who have fitted decoders to Athearn SD9 and SD45 chassis/motors. Is there any specific decoder that anyone recommends or are they fairly accepting of most decoders?

 

Thanks in advance

 

David

 

I have'nt fitted decoders to the chassis' you've mentioned but I've hardwired decoders to a few locos. The main thing is that you make sure the model runs well on DC before fitting any decoder. If it runs well on DC then it should be fine for DCC regardless of the make of decoder.

 

I would stear clear of Hornby decoders though!

[Flying Scotsman 4472]

Steer clear of Bachmann decoders as well

[Flying Scotsman 4472]

[David]

Thanks for your advice guys. I saw that youtube video. I think he uses a digitrax decoder.

 

Anto, do you think one of the trainsave decoders would do that job? What decoders have you got in your athearns?

 

Cheers

[Flying Scotsman 4472]

I'm assuming that your Athearn SD9 has a MIR 071 body fitted to it if so I use a Digitrax DN135D its a great little decoder and has a lot of lighting effects and unlike the Hornby/Bachmann decoders you have a lot of CV's to finally adjust the motor. But most of all it is small in size and therefore you should not have a problem fitting it into the body of the 071 as there ain't much room left with the athearn chassis. It also comes as a wires only decoder and its what I would recommend for your SD9 and SD45.

 

Here's the link

 

http://www.dccsupplies.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=459_182_394_212&products_id=2861

Edited July 30, 2012 by Anthony

[David]

I'm detailing Lima 201s and giving them a re-engine with some Athearn SDs I had lying around. Works well on DC and has tons of power but in the process of converting stock to DCC so just thought I'd check with you guys to make sure it's not a massive waste of time!

 

Cheers for the Link Anto!

[Kirley]

Let us know how you get on David, I have a number of MIR kits with Athearn chassis and would like to convert them to DCC.

Edited July 31, 2012 by Kirley

[David]

Will do Kirley. It'll be a while yet. Mainly wanted to find out at this stage if they are worth using or if it was a total waste of time.

[BabyGM]

 

Can anyone tell me where to get the bunch of wires and clips that he used to do the Athearn

Can they be got in Ireland or England , or would I have to get them from America

[Flying Scotsman 4472]

You don't need the clips just solder to the clips already on the Athearn Motor. But don't forget to remove them from the motor first. As for wire any thin wire like what's in most locos will do. Try E bay

[BabyGM]

Thanks:)