DCC installation Tips for the SD70ACe

Recommended Decoder: Digitrax DN163K1C

The New EMD SD70ACe is designed to use the same circuitry and surface mount LED system as the EMD SD40-2 Mid Production, and can take the same circuit board for DCC installations. There are a few basic tips for a successful installation that you may want to take into account if your customers ask you to install DCC or that you can pass along if they are interested in putting it in themselves.

1: Removing the Stock Board

The mechanism for the SD70ACe has locking surfaces in two places to hold the circuit board in place, one at the back of the mechanism that holds it from the top, and one at the front that locks it in from the bottom. To remove the board from the mechanism you will need to pry the board up and over the forward ridge as shown here. This will allow the board to slide back and out from under the overhanging metal ridge at the back.

Insertion of a circuit board will work the same way in reverse; make sure that the rear of the board will slide under the overhanging piece and use the natural flex of the board to carefully slide the front over the forward locking ridge.

2: Placement of insulating tape

When installing the Digitrax DN163K1C decoder, you will want to place the included insulating tape as shown in the picture to the right. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the board may need to be trimmed slightly to fit properly in place.

3: Trimming radiator pegs to prevent decoder interference

You may need to trim the furthest forward locking pegs for the radiator detail pieces on the inside of the shell so that they do not press against the circuit board, as shown in the photo here (just trim them enough so that they do not extend into the cavity within the bodyshell and sit flush to the edge, instead).

Please note that if you do not wish to do your own installation, we also sell the SD70ACe direct with DCC pre-installed!