Using 21PNEM Decoders with a JST-21PNEM adapter, Decoder Buddy and Athearn motherboards

[@nicksanto882]

Hi George, Thank You for the shout out for the Decoder Buddy!!! The 21PNEM8 decoders are awesome “buddies” for the Decoder Buddys!!! Modelers and installers really appreciate the ease of plugging in the decoder, the small lighting board and also having labeled pads for soldering on a Current Keeper and speakers too! Thanks again!!!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

No problem 👍

[@faizalhathy8433]

Thank You George. I just watched this. Its fantastic and easy to understand as is always with Soundtraxx video presentaitons.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Mrruneight]

Another great video George. I use Decoder Buddy almost exclusively as I like the fact that I never touch the decoder until it's time to actually use it. I can get all of my wiring dialed in with the Decoder Buddy without ever touching the decoder, limiting the chance of static electricity damage. Thanks again for an excellent presentation George!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

Thanks for sharing! :D

[@frankhellman6879]

Thank you, Dr. Loco Lights!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

You bet!

[@72zodiac]

hey George do you remember the part munberfor a rtr motor board?? thanks Bob

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

please email [e-mail] for help with this.

[@NarbonneGauchoBoingo]

Hi George, have you tried a JST-21PNEM adapter in a common Athearn RTR EMD 9pin diesel? I found the added "stacked" height of the 2 headers makes it hit the top of the hood housing. I was unable to close down the hood all the way, additionally the internal lighting wires (that run under the fans) had bite marks from the protruding 21 pins on the top of the stacked boards. Can you show a video? THANKS!

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

In some cases, yes, space may be an issue. That'll have to be taken on a case-by-case basis. Personally, I would change the motherboard to a 21P from Athearn, but I also am in the process of converting to LEDs. If you are not converting, then it could be an issue. In some of the Athearn models, there may be space not above the motor, but forward of the motor. They laid that connector forward on their older Dash-9 models. I don't have a video showing this at this time. I'll look and see what I have that may be able to be used for this purpose. Stay Tuned. Thanks for watching! ~G

[@wlp582001]

I have many Athearn blue box models and I have Digitrax dcc system. I able to install the economi decoders with not much difficulty. But when to programming them it becomes a nightmare. I have only one or two that I was successful. What is causing my problems with programming my decoders.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

We will need more information to find out what is causing your problems. Please contact our Support Team for help with this: [e-mail] or [phone] ext.22

[@James-Railyard]

Great video George! I’m probably going to be using a Buddy for one of my BLI engines in need of an update of decoder. I can’t wait for the FEF video, might give me an idea what to do when the oem on mine puffs like smoke. I was thinking using a 2200 in the boiler as there is a nice amount of room up there. Also is the Kale o GS-4 video on the sound install coming soon? I want to get one and use T2 but want to know if it’s N18 or if I’ll need an 1100 decoder. I hope N18 do I can use one of those for the first time. Sorry for the long comment.

[@SoundtraxxDCC]

Thanks for the feedback James! The install videos are on our radar, but they take some time to produce so we don't have an exact release date. For the GS4 we used a TSU-1100 Steam, Mini Cube 1, the DBX-9000 and our micro connector kit. The TSU-N18 could work if you have a motherboard for it, but since this model is not equipped with the motherboard we choose the TSU-1100.

[@James-Railyard]

@@SoundtraxxDCC I believe ESU has an N18 adapter board that should be suitable. I used a 21 pin ho version for an install I did before. The N18 version should also be good for the new FEF N scale Kato made. If I get my hands on one of those engines I’ll used that board and let you know.