DCC Upgrade

The Southern F3 A/B units were not working as desired.  The B unit still had an old decoder in it.  The A unit just didn't like to run on the less-than-perfectly-clean track.  I had tried to install a keep alive capacitor, but that didn't seem to help a lot.  So, I broke down and purchased TWO new decoders and two Current Keepers by Soundtraxx.  By the way, George at Soundtraxx provides outstanding tech support.  He recommended the Tsunami2 PNP decoders and commented that the Current Keepers just plug directly into these decoders -- no soldering needed.

Here are a few shots along the way, starting with the A unit.  The old decoder fit on a "peg" that I removed in hopes of making room for the new decoder, larger speaker, and Current Keeper.  Got everything wired up and attempted to reassemble.

Wires cut loose and two-sided tape in place.  Peg removed.

Speaker I had modified earlier (with baffle).  Used CA glue to put it together and tried it in the loco.

Body would not fit back on chassis, so removed the cab interior and rearranged Current Keeper and speaker.

Everything fit and it was ready for a test run.  Dang, the headlight didn't work.  Pulled the body off again and checked light bulb with a 1.5 AA battery.  Still no light.  Read the directions to find out that the connection used was for 12 V bulb.  Ooops.  Moved the positive connection to the side of the decoder where a 1.5 V positive was provided.  Fortunately, a couple of extra 1.5 V bulbs were in the "spares" box!  That setup worked fine, including running around the whole layout without hesitation.

Fortunately, the B unit didn't have a headlight to worry about nor a cab interior.  Had to made a couple of wire cuts from this situation (and need to photo the finish product; later).

When installation was completed, the B unit ran fine by itself.  Parked the B unit on a siding while operating the A unit for a few more spins around the layout.  While doing that, I thought I heard the B unit talking to me!!  Come to find out, the PNP decoders have several audio recordings of locomotive activities for "Fireman Ed". . . including radio conversations, door closing, lubrication, and wrench dropping among other sounds.  Will need to turn that off as well as bell and horn for B unit.

Really is a bit overkill to have an A/B setup on the layout since it's so small, but it will be fun to try to program a "consist".

The speakers installed on these locos are very loud in comparison to the small speaker on the SW1 switcher.  But, the volume can be adjusted.  That's the next project -- adjust the volume, turn off Ed, bell, and horn for the B unit and maybe try to run the two units together.

I still say these decoders are remarkable.  Over 40 possible horn sounds.  I don't need but one!  A number of bells.  The problem is, which one is prototypical.  More research.

As promised, here's the B unit with connections completed.