Decoder install in SF 2-10-4 by united.
Decoder: 1517 WOW 101 steam with sound and keep alive.
First decoder install of the season.
In order to control head light, cab, classification lights. running board lights and fire box glow, an 8 pin connector was made using 30 gauge wire.
Contrary to popular belief, one can use an open frame motor in DCC; as long as the decoder can handle the amps, plus the motor is insulated from the frame.
The motor mounting hole was enlarged so a piece of white tubing and some kadee insulation washers could be put on the original mounting screw to insulate the motor from the engine frame.
Also, there's an original piece of black rubber that lays between the motor and motor mount.
Open frame motor mounted and tested. Runs very smoothly under DCC, and quiet.
I'm 'partial' to the old PFM sound system speaker as they have fantastic base sounds. They do, however, require two capacitors and a choke to operate, correctly.
Part 2 of the testing: with lights.
Unfortunately, the lights are not coming on except the fire box glow. Pressing button F0 for lights is not working: the generator sound initiates but not the lights.
I tested the lights in the engine and they work so I know I've got something wrong going to the decoder. No smoke so that's good. The tender light does not come on, either, when put into reverse.
Motor and sound work OK.
Not having put in a decoder for several months, doesn't help!
As I soldered the wires, all colors are correct plus I checked each one for a good solder joint as I soldered each one.
I put in a separate 4 prong connector for the engine lights for ease of maintenance. Again, colors correct plus able to successfully test the lights without the decoder.
Last year, I made schematics to I would know how to connect all wires: so much for that theory!
