DCC and Sound For Your LifeLike E-units (184)

For at least the last 2 years folks have been asking me to do a video on installing DCC and sound in LifeLike E-units so here you go. This is a long video mainly due to all the wires that need to be run for the lights and power pickup. But that is to be expected with these "legacy" locomotive models produced before manufacturers were installing sockets for DCC let along decoders. I decided to use a Decoder Buddy Mini circuit board so I could experiment with different decoder brands but it also tends to actually make the installation easier. So sit back with a cup of something and enjoy the project, and you may want to even watch it in two sittings. To check out my other videos on installing LEDs, using Decoder Buddies, repairing axle gears, and the TCS dual prime mover decoder follow the links provided in this video.

Here are some links to websites for various materials mentioned. Note that many are available at local stores or from Amazon or eBay sellers.

Other misc items available at local hobby shops, eBay, Amazon, hardware stores

Uhu tac putty
Zap Zip Kicker
Testors Clear Parts Cement
Locktite CA Gel
Makeup microbrush

[joevalentine]

Ditto to programming this decoder. I always enjoy your videos as I watch your procedures closely. Lots of good techniques. Thanks

[farmerdave]

I love those old Life Like E-units. Pretty much stock Athearn drive, which I am good at repairing. I've replaced many broken axle gears.

[stuartaaron]

Nice conversion Larry. One thing I do to confirm the polarity and direction of the motor is to connect a 9 volt battery to the motor leads. Since the polarity of the battery is known it is a definite confirmation of the motor polarity and direction.

I recently installed LokSound 5 21-pin decoder and a Decoder Buddy Mini in an Atlas GE B30-7 that I converted from QSI. I also installed a ESU Power Pack as well since the club I run on has dead spots. The result was a complete success.

[kenvandevoort]

This was very useful. I have 3 of the E8's converted to DCC and now I know how to go the next step with sound.

[bmet]

Thanks for a very informative video. I would love to learn about programming as you mentioned.

[Stanf]

I recently did a Proto 2000 E8A but only with a Digitrax non sound decoder that I had in my parts box. I may replace it with a sound unit. This was a good video and will help if I do it

[markkuehler]

Cool stuff.

Show the world how to add the led settings for the Mars light. It is awesome.

[Palanthon]

Would love to see the decoder video on the loc programmer.

[robertpetit]

Another great decoder install. The Decoder Buddy Mini really makes it easy. I have one that I am working on using a TCS WOW BAC motherboard. (And decoder) I am also looking to light the number boards with some SMD LED's too.
I think the next one I do will be with a decoder buddy though.

[triciahibbert]

Really enjoy your teaching style. So helpful!

[nicksanto]

I enjoyed and appreciated the very fine installation demonstration very much! Thank You! I am a little embarrassed because my directions did not cover the A6 and A10 pads well. First I suspect that you had to move the Mars light wire to either A0F, A1 or A2 to make the Mars light respond. There are only 4 powered outputs on the Mini at this time. The A6 and A10 pads are for the third wire or control wire of an ESU Power Pack. The A6 pad is for the LokSound 4 decoder and is controlled by A6. The A10 pad is for the LokSound 5 and is controlled by A10. The U+ and GND pads are used for power and ground on all stay alives! Hope this helps! Again, thanks for the great demonstration!

[jcjackson]

Thank you for another great video! PLEASE make a video on programming.

[railvidpro]

During the lube phase pay particular attention to the gearbox lube as it sometimes hardens up anything that hasn't run in 20 years will fit that category

[bernardc]

Thanks for the tips & tricks And Id SURE like to follow ya thru the win.10.Loc sound set up Larry thanks again

[donaldshroyer]

Nice vid. I'd be interested in a video about Loksound CV setting, even though I model in N scale and use DecoderPro. I think enough information would be usable to be a good watch.

[captainbill]

Yes I am interested in seeing you program the engine on the lok programmer.

[npwx]

I would love to see the video you was talking about making of programing the engine. Thanks.

[craigsummers]

tanks for the detailed process, am interested in seeing the loksound setting process, thanks

[ricter]

Thanks Larry, I have a few Life-likes, 🐾🚂 BearCreek RR Cov. KY. I would like too see the addition in programing.

[karlmuller]

Hi, great video, I have all E-types without sound sofar. Please put up 2nd video with programmer settings. I would have used the 23 or 28mm ESU speaker with enclosure, these are far superior to those sugarcubes, since there is enough space. I even built a custum enclosure 4mm high for a little steamer and it makes a world of difference. Thanks