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Life-Like Proto 2000 GP38-2 decoder installation Track and electrical/DCC
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New member 5 posts BigJoe6401 New member 5 posts
BigJoe6401

Switching gears to HO scale now, I have two Proto 2000 GP 38-2s that I want to put a decoder in each of them.  These are older and do  not have the socket for a pin decoder.  Which one out there is the best?  I thought I saw one from TCS that had back EMF where using it would not require me to get new headlight bulbs, but I cannot find the decoder.

I looked at the schematic and it looks like the circuit board can be simply replaced.  Maybe have to replace the motor mount clip to the new board.  Is it that easy or is it harder.  Sorry, novice DCC person here.  It's amazing I can get the plug and play decoders in the Athearn units.

Thanks again.
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dantept Regular poster 265 posts
dantept

LL P2000 GP-38-2 Decoder

Check out the TCS web site and their installation examples. You might be able to use the LL8 decoder. Or ask their advice-they are very helpful.

Dante
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MikeC in Qld Super User 1,066 posts
MikeC in Qld

I'll second that. I put an

I'll second that.

I put an LL8 in mine. It was easy, and the loco runs beautifully.  It was a simple board replacement, and I didn't have to do anything to the lights.

Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can, because I'm next to useless at this sort of thing.

TCS  website is very helpful, for sure.  They have installation examples there.

My Blog: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/14628
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BigJoe6401 New member 5 posts
BigJoe6401

Thanks

When I did my first research, the LL8 model first showed up.  I went online on the TCS site and it had an install on a steam locomotive.

Does it look like all I need to do is remove the wire covers, replace the decoder, and put the wires back?  It's been a while and I don't remember if there are any motor clips to the decoder.  Are there?  Thanks again.
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MikeC in Qld Super User 1,066 posts
MikeC in Qld

Well that's all I did

Joe I didn't take any 'before' photos, so I just took a couple of 'afters' for you

All I did was carefully lift up the erm... wire holder on the left by gently levering it straight up, unscrew the existing board and replace it with the LL8, which was a perfect fit. Then I carefully plugged the wires onto the pins, and re-used the existing tape.

About to re-plug here, decoder already in place...

ecoder01.jpg 

2decoder.jpg 

I did nothing to the lights.  The cab- and number board lights are ridiculously bright, and the headlight ridiculously dim, but it runs like a charm, and for me that's a triumph

Mike

 

 

My Blog: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/14628
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