I'm trying to get decoders for my 3 C44-9W N scale locomotives. The Digitrax DN144K is designed for this engine. However, there is a new decoder (DN163K1A) that says it will also fit the C44-9W with some slight shell modifications. I've also heard that there might be a need to extend the LED lights to reach the lenses in the shell (with the DN163K1A). I'd prefer the white LED's on the DN163K1A over the yellow ones used on the DN144K. My question is has anyone put these decoders in a Dash 9 and if so what modifications had to be made?
I haven't installed any of these myself (Conrail never had any Dash-9's ) but here is a link to Digitrax's site with all the info you should need. There is also a link on that page to the instruction manual, which explains the required mods for the -9, http://www.digitrax.com/mobdec.htm#dn163k1a
Hoss, I emailed Bruce at Litchfield Station about this and the only mod he said it needed was to lengthen the rear light for the C44-9W. I don't know why Digitrax would make this decoder and not make it the proper fit. I also have 8 to install and I really don't want to have to fix their cost cutting measure(soldering is not my game). I'm sure they did it to fit other locos as well. At the same time, I want the white light, so I guess I'm stuck. Bob
Digitrax is upgrading their line of decoders, and I see a replacement for the DN144K coming out soon. I am holding several Dash-9s without decoders in anticipation of this. I will see Digitrax at the Train Expo March 1st-2nd, so I will ask them about it.
The DN163K1A is the replacement for the DN144K, unless I've been mis-informed. That is what is annoying me and I would guess Hoss. If you offer a replacement, shouldn't it be better, not half-a**ed. Bob
bobcat, I've owned a digitrax system since my HO daze, but have never gotten around to installing some DN's.... so I speak from "inexperience" I rarely hear bad things about digitrax!!! I'm not apologizing! I agree that IF this to FIT the dash 9 (i.e. plug and play) then one shouldn't have to extend a bulb lead. I hope this isn't a new trend in the decoder world!! (cowers in the corner with his stash of THREE DN144K's..)
Actually this decoder is designed to fit in a Kato SD40-2, It just happens to slide into a Dash9 frame. The LED is SD40-2 Length. If you want white leds, You get a 163 and fix the length on the rear one, or find a DN144K2 and change both LEDs.
Thanks Scott for clearing that up. It makes sense in what you are saying. Hopefully, Digitrax will release a new decoder for the C44-9W with white lights. Bob
Actually that's not the ONLY mod, but Bruce is also the one that told me about extending the light. This is probably true because if you compare the dimensions of the decoders the DN144K is almost a half inch longer than the DN163K1A. I believe the DN163K1A is really designed for the SD70MAC, but will also fit the C44-9W with modifications. The other modification must be made to the shell. Some grinding/filing is required in the top part of the shell. [ 24. February 2003, 15:09: Message edited by: Hoss ]
Yes, this was confirmed by Digitrax at the Pomona Train Expo this past weekend. Digitrax will not produce an entire new decoder for the Dash-9, and recommends the slight shell modification. Apparently you just need to shave the inside of the shell a little. The new decoder fits the SD40-2 and the SD70MAC, and now the C44-9W.
