GP30 DCC plug type

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

What kind of DCC plug do P2K GP30’s have.

Thanks,
dekruif

2

P2Ks come with the 8 pin NMRA plug.

3

Thanks,
dekruif

4

Careful–I believe P2K GP30s (and GP7s) need a special decoder that won’t blow out the 1.5v bulbs, or you need to replace the bulbs. Maybe later runs don’t have this problem, but I used the Digitrax DH163L0 from Litchfield Station: http://litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=2450025&cat=103&page=2

5

Either a decoder with regulated (1.5V) light outputs or just put resistors on one of the leads to each bulb.

6

Does this one need a special decoder do you know?

Thanks again,
dekruif

7

I would put in a TCS T1 with an 8 pin plug on a short harness and then add resistors to the lights. You can also get a decoder with regulated voltage to the lights but that will cost you more.

Nothing all that special really[:)]

8

Would a NCE D14SR work?

9

long as its a two (or more) function decoder with 1 amp motor drive and the 8 pin plug it should be just fine. I dont know that decoder off the top my head but the brand really doesnt matter.

10

let me go check the manual be right back

dekruif

11

It has 6 functions,motor rating 1 Amp continuous 1.5 Amp peak (stall) So then it would work

Thanks,
dekruif

12

yes it would work fine. You might want to save it for a loco that needs the extra functions and buy something cheaper for this, but thats up to you. Unless of course you plan on adding extra lights or advanced effects on this one. Also check to see if the light outputs have constant 1.5V. If they do you are good to go, but if not you should put a resistor in line with one of the leads of each bulb, doesnt matter which one. I use 1k ohm resistors with my 1.5V LEDs but if the light seems to dim you can drop to an 800 or so.

good luck

13

let me check

14

Do the lights themselves have to put out 1.5v or is that the decoder?

15

here’s a link to the manual.

http://www.ncedcc.com/ncetest/d14sr.pdf

16

OK, according to the manual the output is not regulated to the lights and it reccomends a 1k ohm resistor. So you will need that. The lights themselves dont put out any voltage, they use what is put out by the decoder and they are only rated for 1.5V. That means if you exceed thier max voltage you will either burn them out immediately or at least shorten thier life. Also running them hard if they can take it will make more heat and possibly melt your shell (has happened to me). That is one of the many reasons I use LEDs now.

Your light function outputs will be roughly 14v and a resistor will bring it down to the needed level. Since that decoder doesnt have a harness you will need to cut one wire to each light to install the resistor.

17

This

1/4 watt 1K Ohm Resistor, marked by the color bands on its body: Brown-Black-Red-Gold.

18

yep that looks like the one.

19

Thanks for all the help JPM335.[:D] I appreciate it.

dekruif

20

Any time[:)]