Decoder for a Athearn Genesis CSX SD-70MAC

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Coach Cleaner
I just recently purchased a Athearn Genesis CSX SD-70MAC and im trying to get into the DCC way of running trains. Can anyone please let me know which is the best Decoder for me to get for my Locomotive?
 
Okay. you might try and go out to Digitrax,their website is www.Digitrax.com, and see what they offer. Another good decoder company is Train Control systems or TCS for short. Their website is www.TCSDCC.com. They often have photos of decoder installs for various locos. NCE is also a good choice,but dude,whatever decoder you go with,you will most likely need resistors,as Athearn Genesis Locos come with 1.5 volt bulbs,and they will blow if you don't use resistors. But also check the decoder you get,you might not need them,but double check. William.
 
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Ok, first things first.This is model#? So we can check to see what type board is inside.
If the board has to be completely replaced, use a TCS-A6X, as it has the built-in voltage regulator and doesnt require resistors. Can even hook up forward and rear ditch lights to it, as it is a 6 function decoder.
If the unit has the type of board that will accept a 9 pin decoder, get a NCE D13SRJ. My last SD70MAC had that type board in it, and the d13srj was a breeze to install. As for the ditch lights with that type board, there are 2 nice little pretinned holes, right next to the F3 and F4 wires, in the board for adding a 1k ohm resistor for the ditch lights to function independently. Yes, a 1K ohm resistor is the exact one to use. You tie one end of the light to the resistor and the other end to the 3rd clip from the left, with engine facing away from you.
You notice, I didn't mention using a digitrax decoder? Cause there is no use in having to put that many resistors inside the loco to run the lights. If Athearn had used 12-16v bulbs, then the digitrax would be fine. I put 2 digitrax decoders in 2 early run sd70's and had to put 4 resistors inline to use the 1.5v bulbs.
 
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i have a Digitrax DH123D Decoder but I dont think its the right Decoder for such a big Locomotive.
 
Amperage wise, it will work, and you should be able to unplug the harness from the decoder and just plug it right in. You won't have independent ditch lights though, as its only a 2 function decoder.
You can get the TCS-A6X from here for only $23 plus shipping, and usually shipping from them is $2-3.
You can get the NCE-D13SRJ here for only $15.56 plus shipping.
 
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The ditch lights will remained tied into the forward headlights with a 2 function decoder. With a 4 function or higher decoder, you can set the ditch lights up to flash when you press F2 on the handheld.
With prototype locos, the ditch lights flash independently when the horn is blown.
 


Yeah, most drop in replacements like that match the PC board on those units. Check with NCE for the full fitment guide, as units with quick plugs require a different decoder (though they should be able to be used, it is a waste due to the PC board handling resistor work on the lights).
 
thanks josh.

I think it was you that posted a link to a site that was named like BA something. Had alot of brass parts, buildings and such.
 
I know this thread is old but If I'm reading it right I have a Athearn RTR ac4400 with the DCC ready plug. If I want to simply drop in a decoder I have to either replace the bulbs or add a resistor?
 
If you have a loco with the dcc-ready board in it, and all you want is the standard forward and reverse headlights, then all you need to do is unplug the dummy plug and plug up a decoder to it. If you want more than the front and rear lights, you will need at least a 4 function decoder, and you will have to add resistors for the extra function outputs.:cool:
 
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