Model Railroading > Athearn SD70ACe LED conv w Athearn parts

Hello all,

I'm interested in upgrading my fleet of NS HU SD70ACe models with the newly launched Athearn LED kits. I see several part numbers as well as 21pin boards. I realize the LEDs need a 3v source vs the 1.5v bulbs. Does anyone have recommendations on what parts I need from Athearn to do this?

Thanks,
Sean

Posted from Android



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/17/19 10:25 by bigmc83.

Why not contact Athearn direct to see what they suggest.

jjd0618psd Wrote:
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> Why not contact Athearn direct to see what they
> suggest.

   Because he thought about asking TO members first. I'd rather do the same. As long as it took you to type your answer, maybe you could have helped him...

   Steve H



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/17/19 13:15 by hartrick24.

Get a grip Steve.  He was just making a suggestion - no need to attack him.

jburek Wrote:
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> Get a grip Steve.  He was just making a
> suggestion - no need to attack him.

It seems to be a modus operandi reply to be fair.

Posted from Android

We are seeing this response more and more. Folks are allowed to ask questions here. It is a forum for gods sake. 

Bruce

jjd0618psd Wrote:
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> Why not contact Athearn direct to see what they
> suggest.

Based on looking, this is what I would order.  But you will need a 21 pin decoder from your existing engine and I doubt you have those as those are recently added to Athearns line.

http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATHG67140

http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATHG67146

or u could order 

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/nixtrainz-ho-5-decoder-buddy-motherboard-for-21-pin-decoder/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-WARM-WHITE-ATHEARN-GENESIS-SD70ACE-SD70M-PHASE-II-FLARED-RADIATOR-MONSTER-LED/153691190075?hash=item23c8b5733b:g:xnwAAOSwjG5drLl9    Does 2 full engines

I have done so many LED changeovers on Athearn engines!

Bruce

Thanks Bruce and others for the list. I know I've brought this up before but life got in the way of doing this conversion.

I do intend to ask Athearn, but thought I would get a faster and more diverse response from the TO crowd.

-Sean

Posted from Android

On many DCC motherboards you can find the 12 v terminal or pin, and your function terminals for what Athearn operates the 1.5v bulbs will work as a 12 v source when connected.  Just use resistors to drop the 12 v by 9 v, leaving 3 v for the LED at whatever current you want to use.  Absent any other input, 1000 ohms will give a fairly bright light.

Sean,

So it looks like to me that all Athearn is doing is selling their new 21 pin boards that have LED support and the LED's they use. Since the new board only has a 21 pin connector, that is all u can use and you could not transfer your old decoder or a factory tsunami. These boards are a bit decieving in what they represent to be frank. If you are doing a fresh upgrade with new sound or a decoder, then u will be fine.

Good luck.  Bruce

bigmc83 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks Bruce and others for the list. I know I've
> brought this up before but life got in the way of
> doing this conversion.
>
> I do intend to ask Athearn, but thought I would
> get a faster and more diverse response from the TO
> crowd.
>
> -Sean
>
> Posted from Android