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HO Scale – Adding a Decoder to an Older Engine
David asks for your help:
“I have a Proto 2000 loco which is probably 20 years old, and would like to add a sound decoder. I looked last night and am not sure if I need to unhook the small computer board at the back of the motor. I’m assuming (trouble I know) that the old board was partly to control the MARS light. Will the decoder work with the board in place, or will there be problems. It’s been a while since I’ve installed a decoder and as it’s a Sumnami I’d like to get it right the 1st time. Any other tips about installation would be appreciated. Yes, I do have LED’s and resistors. Thanks!”
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David, a little homework is required on this. You will have to identify where the power travels from rails to the motor and light/s and decide if you need to keep the board to keep the light in place. In a couple of my conversions I have done the extra work to fit the lights as there was limited room for the decoder and the original board let alone sound equipment. If you keep the board you will need to cut the tracks on the board and identify where to solder the connections to for it to work correctly. With the older locos this should not be too hard to workout and do with the right tools.