Guys, what kind of basic decoder fits this locomotive ? Do you think it's a 9 pin quick plug and play decoder that's needed ? What options do I have ? Can a nonexpert like me just plug it in, no messing with it ? Thanks.
Czech,
I sold that model before I converted it to DCC. However, if I remember my newer Athearn diesels correctly, both 9-pin and 8-pin sockets were already mounted.
I converted one Athearn diesel by pulling the jumper board from the 9-pin socket, and plugging in a basic Digitrax decoder into the existing 8-pin socket. It worked fine. I sold that one, too.
I'm told a decoder with a 9-pin plug works best. It may cost a bit more, but I would look for a decoder that comes with the 9-pin harness.
Better yet, make sure I'm correct: lift the shell off that SD-70 and take a look at the board. You should see a small jumper board connected to the larger circuit board with a 9-pin harness. Plus, there should be an 8-pin socket somewhere on the main circuit board. Like I said, I don't have those locos anymore, so my memory may be distorted by now. :)
Regards,
Jonathan