Help choosing 9-pin decoder
- Thread starter Rusty_08
- Start date
D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
That's the white connector with all pins in a straight line, not two rows, right?
The Digitrax decoders are 9 pin on the board and then the 8 pin connector is plugged into that with the harness. I think the Tsunami decoders have the 9 pin connector on them too.
What brand loco did you buy?
The Digitrax decoders are 9 pin on the board and then the 8 pin connector is plugged into that with the harness. I think the Tsunami decoders have the 9 pin connector on them too.
What brand loco did you buy?
D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
Yeah, you can just plug the standard decoder that doesn't gave a harness on it into that.
skyliner
Well-Known Member
To give you the best answer, we really need more information.
-What scale?
-What locomotive and manufacturer? It sounds like you've got an Athearn?
-How realistic do you want the sound to be? An exact match for the type of locomotive and prime mover, or are you content with "generic" diesel or steam locomotive sounds?
-Do you have experience installing DCC, i.e. soldering connections? Most DCC sound decoders do not have speakers attached; you will need to get a speaker and attach it to the decoder yourself. However, there are a few that include pre-wired speakers, such as from Digitrax. Do you need pre-wired speakers?
-Do you know if your locomotive's lightbulbs (headlights) are compatible with DCC? Check the instructions if you're not sure what we're talking about here.
Off the top of my head, I can't think of many current production 9-pin harness decoders that include sound. I think TCS makes one, possibly also Digitrax. Another option is to get an adapter. For example, Soundtraxx has a 9-pin to 21-pin adapter that would allow you to use one of their modern 21-pin decoders with your locomotive.
soundtraxx.com
However you would still need to attach a speaker.
-What scale?
-What locomotive and manufacturer? It sounds like you've got an Athearn?
-How realistic do you want the sound to be? An exact match for the type of locomotive and prime mover, or are you content with "generic" diesel or steam locomotive sounds?
-Do you have experience installing DCC, i.e. soldering connections? Most DCC sound decoders do not have speakers attached; you will need to get a speaker and attach it to the decoder yourself. However, there are a few that include pre-wired speakers, such as from Digitrax. Do you need pre-wired speakers?
-Do you know if your locomotive's lightbulbs (headlights) are compatible with DCC? Check the instructions if you're not sure what we're talking about here.
Off the top of my head, I can't think of many current production 9-pin harness decoders that include sound. I think TCS makes one, possibly also Digitrax. Another option is to get an adapter. For example, Soundtraxx has a 9-pin to 21-pin adapter that would allow you to use one of their modern 21-pin decoders with your locomotive.
JST-21PNEM Adapter
Easily adapt any SoundTraxx 21PNEM decoder to an NMRA 9-Pin DCC "quick plug" equipped model. This adapter can also be used with SoundTraxx 9-Pin JST power harness (p.n. 810069) to create a universal-style decoder. Dimensions: 22.5 x 16 x 7.5mm Support for up to 8 functions Solder Pads for...
soundtraxx.com
However you would still need to attach a speaker.
Last edited:
Appreciate the reply. HO scale. I can solder but have never done a decoder. I think I have settled on a 9-pin Digitrax, seems like the easiest route. Thanks again.To give you the best answer, we really need more information.
-What scale?
-What locomotive and manufacturer? It sounds like you've got an Athearn?
-How realistic do you want the sound to be? An exact match for the type of locomotive and prime mover, or are you content with "generic" diesel or steam locomotive sounds?
-Do you have experience installing DCC, i.e. soldering connections? Most DCC sound decoders do not have speakers attached; you will need to get a speaker and attach it to the decoder yourself. However, there are a few that include pre-wired speakers, such as from Digitrax. Do you need pre-wired speakers?
-Do you know if your locomotive's lightbulbs (headlights) are compatible with DCC? Check the instructions if you're not sure what we're talking about here.
Off the top of my head, I can't think of many current production 9-pin harness decoders that include sound. I think TCS makes one, possibly also Digitrax. Another option is to get an adapter. For example, Soundtraxx has a 9-pin to 21-pin adapter that would allow you to use one of their modern 21-pin decoders with your locomotive.
JST-21PNEM Adapter
Easily adapt any SoundTraxx 21PNEM decoder to an NMRA 9-Pin DCC "quick plug" equipped model. This adapter can also be used with SoundTraxx 9-Pin JST power harness (p.n. 810069) to create a universal-style decoder. Dimensions: 22.5 x 16 x 7.5mm Support for up to 8 functions Solder Pads for...
However you would still need to attach a speaker.
D&J RailRoad
Professor of HO
You can see the 8 pin plug they put on the harness. Look at the other end of that harness, a white connector with 9 plugs in it. Look at the plug end of the decoder, right on the printed circuit board, a white strip 9 pin connector.
skyliner
Well-Known Member
Ah ha. I have to admit I didn't know that end of the harness could be removed from the circuit board like that. Good to know.
