How hard are thes to install for N scale engines? I have a Life Like SD7 and i will probably install DCC in it. Do they make a frame for this engine? What decoder would work best for this application?
Thanks
John
in don’t think that aztec sells the frames. they mill out a spot to fit the decoder in. they charge $10 for each loco. i have several atlas gp7’s and LL gp20’s that i have to put decoders in and i’m thinking of sending them my frames. you have to disassemble the loco and just send them the frames. i’m going to use digitrax decoders and their web site has an application chart for their decoders. for your sd7 they show dn163ao for it with no mention of frame modifications. for my locos i’ll be using dz123 which i believe is a z scale decoder. i just put decoders in my atlas gp38’s and the decoder just replaced the light circuit boards with no frame mods. it took all of ten minutes per loco. in fact i used the same decoder that you need dn163ao. remove the shell of your loco and the circuit board runs from the front of the engine to the rear. loosten the two screws and separate the frame halves a little so you can lift out the circuit board and drop in the decoder.
I took the shell off my SD7 and it didnt look like there was enough room. Its filled. Do i have to remove one of the weights for the decoder?
when i reread you original post i thought your loco was an atlas model. the correct decoder for your LL model is dz123. it has to be wired into your loco i don’t know if you have to mill the frame or remove part of the weight to install it. i went to the aztec site and they don’t mention having to mill the frame on your loco.
Check this out:
http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/digiframes_digi-frame_digifram.html
or this:
These frames are heavier than the original so they should be able to pull more cars.
I am planning on buying some.
Craig