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Parts List
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  1. D13SR decoder
  2. KPT-4-YD Kapton Tape
  3. LED-5GW (2) LEDs
  4. R-750-1/8W (2) resistors
  5. 269-9515 0.04 inch styrene
  6. Shrink4 tubing
  7. ACT-4004 lubricant kit

 

 

 

NOTE:

Installation information on this site represents Bruce’s experiences and opinions. They are presented without warranty as an example of ways to utilize DCC products. The user is solely responsible for any use made of this data.

 

Installation Notebook:

DCC Installed in Proto 2000 PA

A locomotive set for this millennium! Updated PA & PB locos from Life-Like Proto 2000 with powered B units are great! However, Life-Like has chosen to retain the dual filament bulb with the cumbersome electronics to make it flick back and forth to (sort of) look like a MARS light. Bruce chose to remove the Life-Like board entirely and create a shelf where the board screwed down, using 0.04 inch styrene. The decoder was fastened to the shelf with double sided tape. Wiring is straight forward, the only hitch being that Life-Like has chosen to use black and red for the motor colors as well as the truck colors. Just be careful where the wires terminate when you install the decoder!

PA

A D13SR decoder was selected, as it was the best speed match for the DSD-101LC sound decoder selected for the B-Unit. There are many other options, including the Lenz SilverMP, TCS T1 or Digitrax DH123D. Choose your favorite flavor!

Adding DCC allows the option to replace the "flick-flick" MARS light, as configured by Life-Like with the smooth and cool operation of a LED with the inherent long life. See the detailed photo below.

LED

The LED anodes (long lead) are connected together and to the blue coming from the decoder. The cathodes (short leads) have 750 ohm resistors wired in series and connected to the function outputs of the decoder (yellow and white wires). A bit of programming to have the white lead on in both forward and reverse and the yellow lead on only in forward with a MARS light effect and you are running!

If you wanted a non-sound install in the B unit, you could plug in a NEM652 version of the above decoders: D13SRP, SilverMP, TCS T1a plus a JSTHrns-3.0, or a DH123P.

To view the matching sound install, CLICK HERE!

December 5, 2007