I've been installing Digitrax DN163K1B decoders in my KATO AC4400CWs and have hit a problem. I've got 2 decoders that have been programmed by my NCE PowerCab without any problem; the lights work in direction of travel as required but... NOTHING happens when I open up the throttle :tb-hissyfit: Lights work, no buzzing, no smoking; go back into Programming and the Decoder is read OK, Long Address is set and selected, and as well as CV02, 06 and 5 (That's all I do at initial set up). Oh, and it's not the loco mechanism - it's running just fine on the 3rd Decoder I tried. And I've tried other locos. And to cap it all, I've found the same problem with a DN163K1C in one of my CN/IC SD40-2s; and that decoder has been in and running for almost a year! Anyone got any ideas before I send these back to Digitrax to take a look at?
I have a Digitrax decoder that does the same thing. It's a DH125AT in an Athearn BB SD40-2. Sometimes it works fine. Other times I have to give it a DC kick start. By this, I mean that I switch the block the loco is on to DC, get the loco moving on DC, set the DCC throttle to the speed I want then switch the block back to DCC and the loco continues on without missing a beat and works well for the rest of the day.
I don't have a KATO AC4400CW but I have had some problems with Digitrax decoders making sufficient contact for Kato locos to run. In each case the decoder can be programmed, the lights work, but there is no motion. With the locos I have the weak point is the motor clips not making sufficient contact with the decoder pads. Looking at the instructions for the DN163K1B it doesn't appear that would be a problem but maybe it could be. Worth looking to see that contact between the loco and decoder is sufficient. Ben
Thanks for the suggestions Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll give them a try at the weekend and let you know how I get on.
