Installation Notebook:
Decoder Installed in Athearn GP60M
The 2004 vintage “DCC Ready” locos from Athearn have a JST (white 9 pin) socket wired inside the loco. So you just:
- remove the shell
- unplug the jumper board
- plug in the decoder
- tape the decoder down to the board
- test and program it
- reinstall the shell
- Clean and lube the loco

Above is the before and below after photos of this install.

This customer wanted a Lenz decoder. A JST decoder from your favorite vendor could be used: