jtnrr
Trainmaster
Posts: 127
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Post by jtnrr on Mar 16, 2013 15:58:21 GMT -5
Wiring and complex DCC has never been my strong suit. I have installed Digitrax chips in DCC ready locos and installed Digitrax harnesses in Blue Box locos. However, I noticed that you can buy the Athearn decoder adapter boards on evilbay. I was curious if it was possible to install these boards onto blue box and the "Blue Box" frames on the RTR GP38-2s, etc. I look at it mainly for ease of headlight installation.
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Post by Mark R. on Mar 16, 2013 17:47:49 GMT -5
If you are using 1.5 volt bulbs in your installations, then they will work fine. If you are using LEDs, then the circuitry on the board will have to be either modified or bypassed. White LEDs require about 3.4 volts to run them, and the boards won't drive them direct. You will need your own resistors for the LEDs.
The amount of work required if you are using LEDs almost negates the use of the factory Athearn board, except for the convenience of the DCC plug. Most people opt to remove them entirely and hardwire straight to the decoder. That's probably why you see them on ebay ....
Mark.
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jtnrr
Trainmaster
Posts: 127
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Post by jtnrr on Mar 16, 2013 18:08:31 GMT -5
Well, I am going to start out using the 1.5 volt bulbs. So the boards seem like the best for me.
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