Walthers Mainline GE ES44AC GEVo

Scale:
HO Scale


WOWKit used in this installation

WDK-WAL-2

Which includes the following items:

Decoder
Motherboard

WM-MB1

Speaker Kit




This installation documentation is for the HO-Scale Walthers Mainline GE ES44AC "GEVo" locomotive. This installation uses the WDK-WAL-2 WOWKit, which includes the WOW121-Diesel decoder, WM-MB1 Motherboard, and 28x18mm Micro Speaker with Enclosure. This installation was performed and documented by TCS' Dan M.

Note: This installation features a locomotive with ditch lights. The factory setup for these lights are MATCHED PAIRS of wires going to the front and back for F1 through F4. We have matched these criteria for our motherboard design, meaning that F1 through F2 are available on both connectors at each end of the motherboard. See the Wiring Diagram below (wiring diagram is rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown in this installation documentation):

Image removed.

In this model in particular, F1 and F2 from the connector toward the front are used for the forward ditch lights, allowing for flashing ditch lights, should you so choose. If your model also features rearward-facing ditch lights, these should be connected to F3 and F4 on the connector toward the rear. This will allow you to program them to be directional, and flash.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The locomotive TCS installed had a motor connector which was improperly wired from the factory, with Grey being Positive, and Orange being Negative. To fix this, we re-soldered the connections to the motor. This ensures that the motor direction and directional lighting are all correct when the throttle is set to "forward" and "reverse." Be aware of this possibility - it is suggested to test your model's motor control first before re-assembling it in case this same issue presents itself in your installation. You can re-wire your motor as we have done, which is often easier than reprogramming the decoder to compensate. The TCS motherboard has (+) labels for the positive polarity of each output, including the motor when in "forward."

The Walthers Mainline GE ES44AC Gevo shown prior to installation. To begin the disassembly, flip the locomotive on its side and remove the couplers from each end. There are also two screws on the underside of the chassis on either end of the fuel tank which hold the shell down. Both of these screws also need to be removed.
The Walthers Mainline GE ES44AC Gevo shown prior to installation. To begin the disassembly, flip the locomotive on its side and remove the couplers from each end. There are also two screws on the underside of the chassis on either end of the fuel tank which hold the shell down. Both of these screws also need to be removed.
Shown with the shell removed and OEM motherboard and DC dummy plug. To remove the motherboard, start by unplugging each of the connectors. You may want to label them for later, as they will be re-used with the TCS replacement motherboard.
Shown with the shell removed and OEM motherboard and DC dummy plug. To remove the motherboard, start by unplugging each of the connectors. You may want to label them for later, as they will be re-used with the TCS replacement motherboard.
Top view of the OEM motherboard with the DC dummy plug removed. Remove the three screws near the corners of the motherboard and lift it out.
Top view of the OEM motherboard with the DC dummy plug removed. Remove the three screws near the corners of the motherboard and lift it out.
Shown with the motherboard removed.
Shown with the motherboard removed.
Top view of the chassis without the motherboard. Remove the screw holding the speaker chamber over the rear truck.
Top view of the chassis without the motherboard. Remove the screw holding the speaker chamber over the rear truck.
To install the speaker you should use double-sided tape, such a VHB (shown here). The speaker wires can be run to the motherboard through the port hole in the chassis used for the original speaker chamber.
To install the speaker you should use double-sided tape, such a VHB (shown here). The speaker wires can be run to the motherboard through the port hole in the chassis used for the original speaker chamber.
Next, install the WM-MB1 using the same screws. Also secure the speaker to the chassis. The speaker faces downward towards the holes in the floor of the chassis.
Next, install the WM-MB1 using the same screws. Also secure the speaker to the chassis. The speaker faces downward towards the holes in the floor of the chassis.
Plug the WOW121 Diesel decoder onto the motherboard as shown. it is also recommended that you cover the hole above the speaker for better audio quality. We used electrical tape to cover the hole.
Plug the WOW121 Diesel decoder onto the motherboard as shown. it is also recommended that you cover the hole above the speaker for better audio quality. We used electrical tape to cover the hole.
Finally, connect all of the plugs to their correct sockets as labeled. The placement of each plug should be identical to the original OEM motherboard. Lace up and secure your wires before re-installing the shell. Be especially careful around the cab area so as to not get the wires tangled into the drive axle and gearing of the front truck. Your locomotive is now WOWSound euqipped with Keep Alive® on-board and ready to hit the Mainline!
Finally, connect all of the plugs to their correct sockets as labeled. The placement of each plug should be identical to the original OEM motherboard. Lace up and secure your wires before re-installing the shell. Be especially careful around the cab area so as to not get the wires tangled into the drive axle and gearing of the front truck. Your locomotive is now WOWSound euqipped with Keep Alive® on-board and ready to hit the Mainline!

Important Soldering Tip

Please do not use any flux either liquid or paste on the mother board. Over time, the acidic properties of liquid or paste flux will begin eating away at the fiberglass PCB and will damage it. Use only Rosin-core solder or no-clean flux approved for electronics use.

TCS recommends the use of Kester "44" Sn63 Pb37, .015" diameter Rosin-core solder. Kester part number 24-6337-0007.

You can order this solder from the following retailers:
Digikey - PN:KE1110-ND
Techni-Tool - PN:488SO6775

Other solder tips

When stripping wire, only strip a tiny little bit of the insulation. Strip no more than a 1/32 of an inch. When the wire gets tinned with solder, the insulation will shrink back more. Try to not expose any more wire than half the length of the solder pad at most. In no case should solder or exposed wire wire ever be outside the boundary of the the solder pad you are attaching a wire to.
Click here for important information on properly Stripping and Tinning wire