Hi,
I was wondering if a DH123AT decoder would fir into a RTR Ac4400 without any soldering?
Thanks,
dekruif
Isnt the RTR AC4400 equipped with a DCC plug?
I’m pretty sure it is, but if not, you will have to check whether it has a light board or not. If it is wired like a Blue Box Athearn then it will.
Just keep in mind that soldering makes the job about 3 minutes longer, I think those no-solder harnesses are a waste of money.
The Ac4400 comes with a DCC ready wired harness. Is that the same thing as a DCC plug? The soldering scares me. i solder my track but I would probably ruin my decoder.
If it has the DCC plug, in Athearn-speak that means a 9-pin JST connector. You cna save the money of the harness on the DH123AT and get the DH123D. Or for better motor control a DH163D. Or any of many alternatives, like the TCS T-1 or NCE D13SRJ. All will simply plug right in to the connector in the Athearn loco.
You soldering concern is why I use decoders with the 9-pin plug like the D13SRJ. I’m not afraid of ruining the decoder, I have plenty of electronics experience, but why tempt fate? I unplug the decoder from the harness when soldering the wires in - no chance of ruining the decoder that way. I do a lot of soldering - the sad truth is that many so-called “DCC Ready” locos are not really - the have parts that need to be removed, light bulbs need to be changed, etc.
Maybe if there were more DCC users there’s be enough market pressure to get the manufacturers to either make things REALLY DCC Ready if they make that claim, or stop making the claim when all they mean is they have a 8 pin socket. And it would be nice if the major magazines would slam a manufacturer who claims “DCC Ready” when in fact it is not.
–Randy
So is the Athearn AC4400 “truly” DCC ready? From your staement above you make it sound like you don’t have to solder the TCS T-1 or the NCE D13SRJ.[%-)] I’ve gotten myself confused with this decoder business. Somebody needs to have a list of what decoders that will fit what engines. Maybe someday.
Thanks for the help,
dekruif
If it is quick plug equipped(should say this on the box)unplug the Athearn jumper board from the JST connection and plug the decoder in.30 second job save removing the couplers and shell.Use any decoder with the 9 pin connection.If this is the RTR loco it should have the DCC board.If it came in the old blue box it will not.Dan
I don’t have one yet, I was just wondering what decoder I could use without soldering.
You can use any decoder with the 9 pin JST connection,DH123,DH163,TCS decoders with the JST connection,ETC.Dan
Thanks for the help.[:D]