RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion

RailPro Installation Service

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MtRR75:
You don't have to buy the loco from Yankee Dabbler, but you do have to buy the RailPro module from them in order to have them install it in your loco -- for a price.  I have had this done for two of my old DC locos.  Very satisfied with the service and communications.

Dean:
Actually, anyone that has installed a 9 pin connector for DCC can install a railpro decoder. The 9 pin connector is the same for both and they are wired into the locomotive the same way.

jimw:
Like JamesS, I seriously considered paying for professional installation.  Although some projects appear to be simply that of unplug-and-replace, my first and only installation of any kind was in a (narrow-hood) DCC-ready Proto SD9. Without a mentor, I have relied on reading and viewing similar installations, only a very few of which are available for Railpro, and none for my loco.

It was interesting, but time-consuming to disassemble the loco, then remove the PC board,  remove and cut down the weight so as to fit the LM-2S, replace the lights and then splice in the output leads.  Almost perfect, except my soldering skills are clearly sub-standard, as a loose splice causes stalls.

My point is that for first-timers, most projects can seem intimidating. When I hear 'how simple xyz is', I feel even more ignorant when it isn't simple for me. I still am intimidated, as I expect to completely replace the faulty work.  On the other hand, it is enjoyable to learn new skills, and I am most thankful for the advice of others in such forums.  Hopefully I won't fry anything more expensive than a LED!

I truly appreciate the generosity of time and talent shown by those who have these skills to those of us who are learning.

JimW (definitely NOT an expert here!)

Lee Nicholas:
I will install modules for my standard fee of $50. My background: I have installed at least 1000 Rail Lynx decoders (NCE) over the past 25 years and over 60 RailPro modules to date.
Interested parties email leeucwrr@msn.com

Lee Nicholas
Corinne, Utah

DavidD_OKC:

--- Quote from: jimw on January 21, 2017, 08:13:23 PM ---Like JamesS, I seriously considered paying for professional installation.  Although some projects appear to be simply that of unplug-and-replace, my first and only installation of any kind was in a (narrow-hood) DCC-ready Proto SD9. Without a mentor, I have relied on reading and viewing similar installations, only a very few of which are available for Railpro, and none for my loco.

It was interesting, but time-consuming to disassemble the loco, then remove the PC board,  remove and cut down the weight so as to fit the LM-2S, replace the lights and then splice in the output leads.  Almost perfect, except my soldering skills are clearly sub-standard, as a loose splice causes stalls.

My point is that for first-timers, most projects can seem intimidating. When I hear 'how simple xyz is', I feel even more ignorant when it isn't simple for me. I still am intimidated, as I expect to completely replace the faulty work.  On the other hand, it is enjoyable to learn new skills, and I am most thankful for the advice of others in such forums.  Hopefully I won't fry anything more expensive than a LED!

I truly appreciate the generosity of time and talent shown by those who have these skills to those of us who are learning.

JimW (definitely NOT an expert here!)

--- End quote ---

I definitely understand this. My failing eyesight and unsteady hands make me a bit nervous when it comes to the soldering required to add sound and LED's or simply make the connections on the loco's control board in the recommended manner. If we were still dealing with Athearn blue box locos it might be different but the investment in the newer more detailed units would make mistakes rather painful I think.

Still, I think I will try my hand at some of the simpler stuff. If it is too much then I'll contact Traintek or another dealer with a good reputation for installs. Good luck!

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