I am currently converting an Atlas Alco C-424 to DCC and have run into a problem with converting the cab and rear light systems into LED’s. You can see the two long plastic light tubes used in the factory setup with one light bulb for both. Since the Soundtraxx MC2 board has separate light controls I want to incorporate two LED’s, but where and how to add them. I will post this question to the internet and take the problem to the experts at our club.
For the last week I have been fighting with the QSI decoder in my Athern HH660 engine.
I have contacted Athern and the QSI factory in Beaverton, Oregon. At first I thought the wheel wipers in the trucks were not conducting properly but after learning how the wipers work moved on to look at the wiring. When the wiring proved to be OK, I took the engine to the Willamette club and we decided it had to be the decoder. I’m now in contact with the QSI operations manager, Kelly Dorf, who also does repairs on QSI decoders. I did learn there is a QSI user group on Yahoo from which I am getting many suggestions. I’m hoping for the best on this $130 sound decoder.
I finally sold my Digitrax system for a very reasonable price and purchased a new NCE system, including a Power Cab, SB5 command/booster and Cab 06r for radio control. I like the NCE system better and it’s the system used by the Willamette club where I’m a member.
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This week I finished laying the NP main through Yakima and ran a small freight around the line. Lots of track laying ahead. I can now start installing and repairing engine decoders in several of my engines. I’m also hoping to receive my new NCE system this next Friday.
I’m learning how to build my own turnouts using a paper template and spiking the ties and rails before soldering. I have to thank “Fast Tracks” for their videos which taught me the basic steps to build a turnout. But, with several different sizes and shapes of turnouts on my layout I could not afford to purchase their metal jigs. With each turnout built I am improving my method and speed. Who knows, some day I may actually get to run a train. 