I recently returned from my hobby shop with a new Atlas Alco S2 switcher. I had consulted the Digitrax website to determine the correct decoder which was the DZ126IN. I was told that the DZ126 was simply a non plug and play version of the DZ126IN and that I could easily hardwire it. However, nothing I can find on the Digitrax website confirms this. Can anyone offer any confirmation before I warm up my soldering iron?
Paul
Well, the DZ126 and the DZ126IN have the same features, the DZ126 just has wires to solder on and the DZ126IN has a 6 pin NEM 651 plug. So yes, they are effectively the same decoder, just one has wires for hardwiring and one has a specific plug for a plug in fitment.
Do be warned that if you are talking the older S2, the one made by Roco for Atlas, you need to isolate the lower part of the motor from the frame and replace the metal motor mount screw with a nylon one.
Edit: Do please state the scale when making inquiries about a model. Through reverse tracking I figured out you mean the N scale S2 - Atlas makes them in both HO and N. The N model is designed to accept the plug in decoder. You can hard wire it as well, but with the small space to work with, you should probably just get the plug in one.
–Randy
Look at the photos of each decoder. I just did. The 126 shows wire leads that you solder to the appropriate points.
The 126in plugs in. Pins or no pins, the same decoder.
Goolge dz126 and then Google dz126in. You will see the obvious difference in each picture.
No idea what the inside of the loco looks like.
Rich
Assuming this is HO, below is a link on how you do this loco.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Atlas/S2/Atlas%20S2.htm
Just wire in the decoder the same way. The wire colors will be the same.
The decoder will have instructions also.
Rich
Thanks for the info. As my hobby shop did not have the DZ126IN and sold me the DZ126, I ordered the plug in decoder so I can keep things simple. I’ll see if I can use the DZ126 on one of my older locos.
That’s the right decision. I’ve got no fear of soldering in decoders, but if you can get one with a plug that’s always easier.
Ok. Had no idea of what you were trying to do. First post not very clear.
The link I sent you was for the older S2 as you already know. Usually more details in a post are better.
Good luck. Should be ok.
I use the older DZ125. Good decoders.
Rich
Sorry Rich. Most of this stuff is so new to me, I am unsure as to what details to include. The first two decoders I installed were in an Atlas GP38-2 and a GP40-2, where I had to replace the entire PC board.
Paul