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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Photos and document by:
James D. Williams
Safety and Disclaimer:
The batcave website staff and crew assume that you are going to be working in a safe
environment. We also assume that you are competent with the tools you are using. We
DO NOT imply any guaranty or warranty on the steps listed in any of our tutorials below.
Following them is done so strictly at your own risk. We are not affiliated and do not
represent any of the trademark companies listed in the tutorials blow. If you have
questions comments or concerns with any of their products please contact the
respective company that manufactures the item. Any modifications that you perform to
your engine that are not discussed here are also NOT our responsibility. Remember if
you are not sure the smartest thing to do is stop and research the issue further. Please
use tools as intended. Incorrect usage of the items discussed in the tutorials below
could cause harmful effects to you and anyone around you. Thank you for reading and
good luck with your upgrade(s)!
Start of the Tutorial:
This will walk you through how to install a Train Control Systems model MC2 hardwired
decoder without sound into Life-Like Proto 1000 series RDC-3 engine . Before I begin I
want to warn people that I mean no disrespect in my style of writing. However I know it
may sound at times that I am talking down to the reader as you go through this tutorial. I
am one of those people who write these things assuming nothing. I feel this is the best
way to write and ultimately helps eliminate ways of failure. At this point please take a
moment to review the "Items you will need for this project:" section just below. So if you
are ready, let’s scroll on down and start our project together!
Items you will need for this project:
01. (1) Life-Like Proto 1000 series RDC-3 engine
02. (1) Train Control Systems model MC2 decoder with Hardwire Harness
03. Knife
04. Phillips-head (crosshead) screwdriver
05. Flat head screw driver
06. Pliers
07. Wire Stripper
08. Wire cutter
09. Soldering iron
10. Solder
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 1. Get your engine out of the packaging.
Step 2. First thing we need to do is start disassembling the engine. To do this we need
to flip it over and undo the three screws at the front of the engine.
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 3. Now we want to remove the three screws from the rear of the engine. Here I
already have two out.
Step 4. Now with the screws out if the coupler pockets and couplers did not come off on
there own then you need to gentle wiggle them till they do come off.
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 5. Now you can turn the engine right side up. This will allow you to slide the top
off. It should with little to no resistance pull straight up.
Step 6. Now that we have the top off lets look at the circuit board. You will see a section
that has 6 numbered pads (P1 – P6) these are where you will attach the wires. You will
also notice 3 x spots. These spots need to be cut to sever the electrical connection.
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 7. We must break these electrical connections first. To do this I chose to drill a
small hole versus just using my hobby knife. If you use a drill use extreme caution
and apply as little pressure as possible. The circuit board will bend and if to much
pressure is applied you could break it. Again please do this with extreme caution!
Step 8. Now that we have the electrical paths severed on the circuit board, let’s take a
look at the Decoder. It will come in two parts. Part 1 is the wire harness and part 2 is the
decoder itself.
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 9. Before we get ready to do any cutting, stripping, and soldering I want to show
you a wiring diagram for the solder pad points. This will show you which color wire goes
to which pad. I also put the severed circuit points in for reference.
Step 10. Now that we know where the wires need to go and where to make our cuts in
the circuit we can start to lay the wires. I subject starting with P1 which is the ORANGE
wire and work your way down one side. Then move over to the other side and work your
way down. Just keep in mind that you only need enough solder to make a solid
connection!
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 11. Once you have all your wires soldered to the appropriate points it should look
something like this.
Step 12. If your engine works the way it should then it is time to put the shell back on.
To do this all you need to follow are steps 2 – 5 in reverse order. I will however put
these steps down here in the order they need to be done.
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 13. To reassemble your engine first carefully put the shell back on top of the
chassis.
Step 14. Now turn the unit over and start to put the screws in.
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How to install DCC into a Life-Like Proto1000 RDC-3 Engine
Step 15. Once you have replaced all yo ur screws your RDC-3 is ready to run commuter
service.
Congratulations! Your engine is now enabled with DCC and ready to run on either a DC
or DCC layout!
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