Recent Posts

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21
RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / DCC controlling RP
« Last post by ON28 on August 17, 2026, 10:03:37 PM »
Finding some quirks about controlling RP engines with my NCE Pro Cab. First, I was unable to connect at all with an LM2-equipped loco. Second, I found that you have to be in 128 speed step mode to connect with LM3 locos. Third, I had to first control speed with the wheel to get movement, only then would the speed buttons work. No MUing, but I knew that.
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Re: RailPro and Decoder Buddy
« Last post by snowdog on August 16, 2026, 08:47:58 PM »
I've used several 21 pin - 9 pin adaptors
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Re: Proto 2000 S1 Module Install
« Last post by CPRail on August 10, 2026, 02:57:39 PM »
I've done the P2K S3.

Initial ponderings/questions, etc. are posted here:
https://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php/topic,372.msg2787.html#msg2787

After that unit was done, I standardizes on Scale Sound Systems speakers and he came out with an new P2K S3 speaker in 2023, so I upgraded my P2K S3, which of course necessitated a bunch of adjustments.

Photos, etc. of that adventure were posted here:
https://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php/topic,1570.msg11232.html#msg11232
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Proto 2000 S1 Module Install
« Last post by Jeff1022 on August 07, 2026, 09:40:31 PM »
As my layout progresses from the benchwork to actual track phase, the first area down and operational will be a yard.  I need to jump in and get a yard engine up to operational speed, the P2000 S1.  I aim to use the LM-3S-21 coupled to a Nix Trainz Decoder Buddy Mini, Power Bridge lll Stay Alive and a sugar cube speaker as well as LED front / rear lights.  1964 so no ditch lights thank goodness.  I would appreciate any advice or tips from anyone who has shoehorned all the needed elements for control and sound into the same tight confines of this particular model.  Thanks.
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Re: RailPro and Decoder Buddy
« Last post by gregeusa on August 07, 2026, 05:32:05 PM »
21 pin standard started in Europe I believe
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Re: RailPro and Decoder Buddy
« Last post by LVRR1856 on August 07, 2026, 02:17:16 PM »
Here is a 9 to 21 adapter, not sure why it's called "European", for $12 .... maybe worth a shot ?

Just google 9 pin to 21 pin dcc adapter ....

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Re: RailPro and Decoder Buddy
« Last post by Tom on August 07, 2026, 08:42:16 AM »
I recently bought a DCC ready loco with a 21-pin plug but want to use an LM-3S module.  Is there such a thing as a 21-pin to 9-pin adapter?
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Re: RailPro and Decoder Buddy
« Last post by sieggs1 on August 04, 2026, 10:33:57 AM »
Hey all,

I use the Decoder Buddy with RailPro LM-3S-21. Yes, you can use a Keep-Alive with the pins on the Decoder Buddy. RailPro's own works but I have also been making my own keep-alives for much cheaper and they last longer.

Rob S.
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / Re: RailPro and Decoder Buddy
« Last post by G8B4Life on August 01, 2026, 08:16:01 PM »
Ring has both 21 pin and 9 pin LM's  available. The 9 pin LM would require an adapter harness to use the Decoder Buddy board, the 21 pin LM would fit directly.

As for "Stay Alive" devices, never used any so I can't answer that but in theory any Stay Alive should work however some that are built into factory motherboards in models do not work properly without the specific DCC decoder they were designed for seemingly due to a mismatch in control voltage levels. Ring has their own Stay Alive, the PBM which they try to spruik as the only safe Stay Alive for RailPro.

- Tim
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RailPro Specific Help & Discussion / RailPro and Decoder Buddy
« Last post by Jeff1022 on August 01, 2026, 06:27:38 PM »
I was talking with Nick of Nix Trainz at the recent St. Louis RPM meet and he told me that his "Decoder Buddy" board would work with a RailPro module.  I'm just getting my feet wet with RP, but his boards have a 21 pin receptacle and I believe the modules are a 9 pin.  So, how can this be true per him?  Has anyone been able to make these work together in some manner?  I also inquired about his "Stay Alive" capacitors and he said he had never tried it, but he did use another brand stay alive with a RailPro module once and it worked.  So, give it a try and see is all he had on that. 

Any thoughts from the group will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks. Jeff Youst
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