Hi all,
done a couple of DCC decoder installations involving some thinking but would appreciate advice about my current assignment. An SW1000 Athearn unit I purchased perhaps 12 - 14 years ago that does not appear to have a single wire connecting the wheels, front light or motor. I can trace the connections that appear to go via metal strips, which I assume I should remove and replace with soldered wire connections. Advice on how to proceed would be great, thanks in advance
Cheers, James
James, a picture would help.
Cuda Ken
That sounds like a typical Athearn unit from the time frame you mention. There is a metal clip at the bottom of the motor than contacts the frame and completes part of the power circuit. There is a longer metal piece that attaches to the top of the motor. This slides under an L shaped piece that is connected to both the front and rear truck. This completes the other half of the circuit.
If your unit fits that description, then it is not DCC ready because the motor is not isolated from the frame.
AFAIK, the Athearn SW1000’s are just like all the other Athearn blue-box locos. Use a Digitrax DH123AT, which comes with a wiring harness and instructions for this specific install.
http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dh123at.php
One thing these instructions don’t mention is that you should insulate the frame under the lower brush clip. Lots of people (including me) use black electrical tape, but Kapton tape is probably better…
Hi Maxman,
yup that does fit the description of the loco and thanks for the assistance. I have to figure out how to disassemble so I can isolate the motor, but it looks straight forwards. Thanks for taking the time to give me a hand
Cheers, James
Hi Stevert,
I checked out the DH123AT and it looks good. Thinking through how the engine is connected, and then comparing to the decoder hookups means I can see how it should proceed. I appreciated your time to point me to the dedicated decoder and instructions which was a big help. Thanks!
Cheers, James