Loco won't respond???

Hello,

I'm new to DCC, actully a week in to it. I've done 3 decoder installs so far and the first one works great, the second, I haven't even put on a track yet, and the third one, my Kato SD90mac. Oh, I'm N-scale, sorry I probably should have mentioned that sooner. I installed a Digitrax DN163K2 in it. After I got the decoder in, I was looking at it to see if anything was touching that wasn't supposed to be, and I found that on the rear of the decoder on the bottom side is a silver chip of some kind touching the frame. So in concern about it I put a piece of Kapton tape on the frame in that area to make sure I wouldn't damage the locomotive or the decoder. Since I've gotten the DCC system hooked up I've only had one loco on the layout and it works great! I'm still running it on address 0003. I'm using the Lenz set 90 system, and still learning how to do all the different functions. So, when I got done with the decoder in the SD90mac, I took it to the layout and made sure everything else was off of the layout, I placed it on the track and was going to make sure it was going to work ok. I was and still am able to work the constant headlighting but, when I try to move the loco, nothing!?!?!?! No jerking, no noise from it, nothing at all!!!! The first loco I did still runs great, so I'm sure it's something I've done or didn't do. I just don't know what? Could someone help me or point me in the right direction??? I appreciate any help anyone can give me!!!!

Thanks,
Rick

 

when you put the kapton tape on (and if you had to isolate the motor caps from the frame).. you didn't cover up brass contacts from making contact with the decoder did you?

 

Conrail Pete:

Make sure you check the contacts from the motor to the decoder. Make sure that they are in proper contact with the decoder. This is the main source of all initial installation decoder problems.

 

Hello,

Well, I've taken the loco apart 7 times now and tried to make sure that , I didn't put the kapton tape in the worng spots, to make sure the electrical contacts were in the right spots and good contact, that there was nothing else touching and it still won't respond. I did put it on some DC track and it didn't want to run until I tried to move the board, then it took off. Now I know that it has to be a contact problem but, not for sure where. Should I take the loco completely apart and try to put it back together ? I've gotten really fustrated with this locomotive both with the DCC part and the loc itself! I've went over everything I can think of and still the only thing that happens is I can operate the directional headlights. I'm in need of some help, I'm all ears and eyes. Thanks for advice!!! I really appreciate it all!

Sincerly, Rick

 

Rick:

I still think your problem is the motor contacts contacting the decoder. Make sure that the contacts properly touch the decoder. You must make sure that you have pushed the decoder into the proper postion on the frame. If it is off slightly, the loco wo't run.

Your quote " it didn't want to run until I tried to move the board, then it took off" confirms that the decoder is not sitting in the frame correctly.

 

Hello,


Well, I've taken the decoder back out about 4 more times and the last time, I don't know what it was but, something give and it slid up into the frame further (SP?). I tried it on DC power first and it ran great, took it to the layout and YAHOO!!!, it works on DCC!

Powersteamguy, you were right, I don't think it was making good contact .

Thanks for all the help everyone!!! I appreciate it all!

Happy Rails,
Rick

 

Rick:

That is a common problem when installing decoders in Kato diesels. Am glad I could solve the problem for you.... Enjoy the SD-70...

 

rick

usually digitrax decoders pickup power at the front of the decoder on both sides of the led. on many decoders these contact tabs are covered with solder preventing the decoder from beeing installed properly. use a file or shar knife to remove the excess solder from these two points.

i had to do this on about 70-80 of my 'few' decoders.

 

Sando,
He said that the lights worked properly, so the power from the track was getting to the decoder. The contacts from the motor on a Kato can be tricky. We must make sure that they are both under the taps on the decoder. I've had that happen to me.