RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion
LM-3S-21 Module compatibility with different manufacturers
rdickson:
Hello,
Somewhat new to the group and just purchased RPK-2 starter kit. I'm assuming that the simplest way to go for install is look at locomotives with DCC / sound ready. After reading through several threads i'm getting the impression that Scale Trains might not play so well with Rail Pro, is that correct?
Any recommendations on what manufactures integrate well with RP?
Sorry if this have been covered before but I couldn't find any threads about this topic. Thanks for any advice.
Smoke:
I just installed an LM-3S-21 in an Athearn Genesis MP15AC — no issues at all, and I’m able to access all the functions without a hitch (headlights, ditch lights, ground lights).
As far as I know Scaletrains is the only manufacturer that doesn't 100% work with 3rd party 21 pin modules/decoders. Here is a link to more info on the Scaletrains issue with the LM-3S-21: https://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php/topic,1666.msg11645.html#msg11645
I’m planning to install more LM-3S-21 modules in Rapido and Walthers locomotives soon, and based on my understanding, I don’t anticipate any major issues there either.
rdickson:
Appreciate the reply Smoke, thanks for the information.
Bob
KPack:
Scaletrains definitely does not integrate well with 3rd party 21 pins. It's a known issue between ST and other DCC boards.
I can report that Rapido is a direct drop in for the LM-3S-21. Plugs right in and has access to all functions, as well as the built-in Rapido keep alive. Couldn't be any easier.
G8B4Life:
--- Quote from: KPack on June 08, 2025, 09:35:36 PM ---Scaletrains definitely does not integrate well with 3rd party 21 pins. It's a known issue between ST and other DCC boards...
--- End quote ---
There was a lengthy discussion about this over at Model Railroad Hobbyist awhile back (Link, look for Yarons posts on page 76-100 and 126-150). What it really boiled down to was all the other decoder brands aren't fully NMRA compliant and lack the required function outputs from the standard to work with Scaletrains; there wasn't anything non standard about Loksound or Scaletrains motherboards at all.
Now, the LM-3S-21 does have the required function outputs so why doesn't it apparently work in place? Mystery!
- Tim
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