Model Railroading > Athearn DCC Equipped w/remote question

Hello Everyone:

I am looking at purchasing an Athearn unit that is DCC equipped but with what I am assuming is an earlier version of DCC - the kind that comes with a 5 button remote.  The item is an online listing and box shows "With Sound" but does not specifiy if it is a Tsunami or ESU or any specific system.  The stock number is G66171 if that helps anyone determine the DCC used.  

My main question: IF this is not equipped with Tusnami or ESU can it be converted "easily" (yes, I know that is subjective!) to either Tusnami or ESU?  Would I need a new motherboard for the conversion or would a decoder of today's standards work?

I've asked the seller for documentation on the decoder used but wanted to ask about the remote system as I am not familiar with that version of DCC.

Thanks in advance,

SkokieSwift



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/11/25 08:37 by skokieswift.

Sounds just like the old MRC equipped decoder. You'll want to replace it most likely with the decoder of your choice. If you want a newer 21 pin decoder, you can get a Decoder Buddy or one of the TCS motherboards. Lots of options. 

Yep,  MRC sound system.   There is a good chance it does not even work as they were known to fail.   In any case the sound profiles are poor and option sounds non existent.    You will likely want to change to a modern system.

Richard.

Not sure if there are any plugs on this iteration, perhaps 8-pin,or 9-pin but seriously doubt a 21 pin. I would suspect the whole motherboard has to be replaced, which is not a big chore but the cost and getting the right parts together goes to the next level, or more. The speaker performance has improved a huge leap since this iteration was on the market.

In the world of second hand model locomotives there is probably a better deal out there. This sounds like a good project for somebody with more experience with this particular design.

$0.02.

The remote was used with the very old MRC decoders that you will want to replace.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

skokieswift Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hello Everyone:
>

> My main question: IF this is not equipped with
> Tusnami or ESU can it be converted "easily" (yes,
> I know that is subjective!) to either Tusnami or
> ESU?  Would I need a new motherboard for the
> conversion or would a decoder of today's standards
> work?

Simple answer = yes, it's an easy conversion.  I've done several.  If you want Tsunami, get the "plug n play" version for a mostly direct motherboard swap.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/11/25 21:18 by KA7008.

I have or had one of these loco's but can't remember which one it was, the remote is still on the workbench, more than likely a CSX unit,, ummm something to look for today!
Ed.
Bought new battery for the remote, no response from any loco on the shelf.

Ed Stewart
Jacksonville, FL



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/25 17:45 by calsubd.