Decoder Installation for the Life Like's PA

Installing a decoder in a Life Like PA is straightforward. Before you begin you should select a decoder that fits the cavity in the locomotive and has the features you desire. Lenz produces two NMRA conforming decoders that fit into the PA's cavity: The LE131, our premier decoder, provides back EMF and two extra functions, and the LE111, provides two extra functions. Each of these decoders comes with the NMRA DCC 8- pin medium plug.

Please select from the following

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Prepare the Locomotive:

1.Lift up the wires from the sticky tape along the top of the locomotive and move them gently out to the side, leaving wires connected at both ends.

2. Line decoder cavity with electrical tape to isolate decoder from locomotive frame.

3. While the locomotive is apart, lubricate the locomotive using a high quality lubricant such as Aero-Car Motor Bearing Lubricant

Turn locomotive up side down and place a drop of Motor Bearing Lubricant on front and rear bearings of motor

Grease (Aero-Car NG Gel) on worm gears (one at front and other under circuit board)
Lubricate bearings on wheels

Install decoder

 

PIN 1 (orange) orients the plug to the socket.

Hold locomotive with engineers facing away from you. Pin #1 is located on left side, rear hole.

  1. Remove dummy plug located at the rear of the circuit board
  2. Plug in the decoder's 8 pin plug into sockets on the circuit board located in the rear section with wires facing to the rear
  3. Carefully wrap the decoder's wires up and over the Plug going back to the decoder cavity (this is important, so that there is enough length for the decoder to reach the cavity).
  4. Tuck the decoder (harness side down) into the cavity at the front of the locomotive, keeping it under the PA's circuit wires
  5. Arrange all wires tightly to the frame along the groove at the top of the locomotive frame and tape down with electrical tape.

Optional Wiring Features with Lenz DIGITAL plus LE111 and LLE131 Decoders

  1. These Lenz decoders have Function 1 connected on the harness (this will automatically control the Mars Light on the PA, if the PA comes with the Mars light)
  2. For Non-directional lighting: remove the Life-Like circuit board and add a jumper between Pin # 6 (white wire- front head light) and Pin # 6 ( yellow wire rear light) on the under side of the circuit board
  3. Second Auxiliary Function: The LE131/111 is also able to control a second auxiliary function of your choice. This wire is not connected to the plug and must be wired separately. Connect the violet wire to the function to be controlled by DCC function 2.
  4. The second function common can either be connected to the blue wire or connected to the left hand rail. More current will be available to the extra function if its common is connected to the blue wire. Do not exceed the current rating of 200ma for the extra function.

Test out Installation and Configure CVs

CV2 = 1 (the starting voltage)

CV3 = 3 (the acceleration rate)

CV4 = 3 (the deceleration rate)

CV5 = 10 (This sets the maximum speed and shapes the speed curve (LE131 only))

CV29 = 6 (configures the decoder for 28 throttle positions and enables automatic analog conversion

CV60= 1 for LE130, = 0 for LE111 (Extra Configuration)

Back EMF Control

The LE131 uses a form of motor control called "back emf" control. All DC motors produce a small amount of current when they are rotating. The amount of current produced is a function of the load that the motor is controlling. The LE131 measures this current and is able to adjust the current to the motor based upon the motor load. The result is exceptionally fine motor control that is extremely smooth and quiet.

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Copyright 1997-2007 by Tried & True Trains, Inc.
This page is written and maintained by: Stan Ames
For more information contact Debbie Ames,  President tttrains