Pretty simple question I think? I have 4 PK1, F3’s 2 A’s and 2 'Bs all powered. LHS keeps (well I think) they are the not the right decoders. My PK1 have as jumper board over the top of what looks like a 8 pin conector then the PC board. Looks like there sould be a Male and Female plug for the decoder so it can go between the board. Or do I have to wire the DCC decoder?
2 I want to wire for none sound, 2 I want to have sound decoders. I have the MRR mag that list the DCC with sound and part numbers so that is covred.
Anyone looking for afforable pulling power the PK1’s F3’s are a steal. I have ran 3 on K-10’s Model Trains bench and pulled 100 cars with no effort. Just tried a 37 car drag with just 1 up my grade, could not do it. Added a second A unit and will craw or go a like a Hemi off the line with 10"s slicks. (none car people that is good)
With some luck you still may find them on E-Bay new for the pair for $40.00 for a set of powered A & B set. They make my Athearn Super Weight F7’s look like winps but yet they will still get the job done.
THis is what my P1K’s look like inside http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/llf3a.html I wonder from your description if you have a newer generation that have an 8 pin plug, sounds like you do?
On mine it was a simple hand wire job with a couple of tracks to cut.
Take Simon’s suggestion and whatever you do go with the TCS decoder. They have a no questions ask replacement warranty on their decoders. That way when you fry one you can get it replaced.
Question - Why does everything have to do with how many cars a locomotive can pull? There are other characteristics such as slow speed operation, accuracy, and detailing
Simon great to hear from you. I think mine may be the newer version. I will take a PIC and post later. Not sure I am up to hard wiring a PC board with my iron, pretty big tip. Hope to see you and the boys again at K-10! Kens has been keeping me pretty busy with selling on E-Bay.
All the other people that have taken there time to answer, thank you so much. I will up date in the next few days.
Jktrains, main reason I post more about pulling power instead of details may be the following. Being a X drag racer pulling power = HP to me that I understand. Maybe I a need drag strip for my engines. Details are a little lost on me, my eye sight blows for up close. Heck I broke off 1/2 to lift rings on my first PK2 E-6 before I knew they where there! Plus I am 8 foot to 22 foot away from my lines from where I control it. Athearn Blue Box looks as detailed as a PCM, BLI or a PK2.