alright i am probly going to be getting a athern genesis sd70mac soon and wanted to know what decoders work with and without sound tia zacharyf
athern genesis
- Thread starter zachary
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Its according to the generation of engine. I have an SD70M, but its 1st generation, and hads to replace the entire board.
I understand that you may want a new one, but you may end up with new-old-stock unit.zachary said:
ops: In case you do, put an TCS A6X in it for 6 function output. This chip is an exact replacement for the existing board. Heres the link for the replacement for the existing board. It has enough outputs for forward, reverse, front and rear ditch lights. And you dont have to change the Athearn 1.5 volt bulbs either. Heres a link for the place where I got mine from and they are real reliable. I order from them constantly.
http://www.dccroundhouse.com/Train%20Control%20Systems/TCS.htm
They have the chip for $23 + $5 to ship. Thats cheaper than Tonys and TCS direct.
You will have to wire your own rear ditch lights. I have a link for them, Athearn part# ATHG63825 for $5.09 + $2 shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/Athearn-HO-Ditch-Light-Set-SD70-ATHG63825_W0QQitemZ250092495570QQcategoryZ11644QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATHG63825
Now, as far as I know, Athearn hasnt released an unit with front and rear ditch lights, but the frame should be set up for them.
After closer review of the unit I have, the frame and shell have access for them, you would have to drill thru the shell above the pilot at the same area as the front, and on the deck also. I'll probably add them to mine after awhile, and will post pics.:thumb:
The A6X decoder works exceptionally well, with great low speed control, and adjustable timing for the length of the flash for the ditch lights. I set mine to flash for 45 seconds, when the horn is activated. This decoder doesnt have sound, but an addition of a sound chip would be rather easy inside this unit.:thumb:
Edit: After thought on this subject, I'm probably going to start using this board to power older BB units. That way I can add Lighting to them easily without using resistors.:thumb: