Has any one used the Digitrax DN163l0 in their SD40t-2's? I hand soldered one in to my SP TM and it works fine, however I have several problems on both of them and I'm looking for a little advice. Both decoders have the kaptan tape on the front by the screw like the instructions call for the first thing I noticed is the front LED is about 1/16" long so it forces the front light shroud out. Has any one noticed this? When I tried to program (NCE) the leds flash when I move into program but none of the CV's can be read. When I enter a value the LED's flash but when I enter run mode on one I can turn on the light but no motion, the 2nd one no light or movement. When I attempt check program all CV's can not be read. I took a programed locomotive from the fleet and it runs fine. Any ideas what my problem might be? Thanks any one Steve
That's what I have in the SP one and I have to say it was easier than the digitrax and it works. I found some of the problem the front motor contact was not even close to touching the pad on the decoder but they still dont run, I have never really had any luck with the so called PNP decoders for Atlas style frames. In fact a local dealer fixed my sd60m for me for free when I could not get that one to run either.
EASY fix: You know those small, sliver-like pieces of phosphor bronze sheets that in in the coupler clip on N scale engines, the ones that add spring action to the stock rapido couplers? Since I install MT's on everything, I chuck those into the scrapbox. I get 2 per engine stock, and need two per engine for DCC. What you do: Cut a pair of them in half, equally. Bend each piece into 'V' shape, and slid the piece into the area where the contact pads on the decoder are, under the frame notches. It can be a jam-fit, and I use toothpicks to push it home, so as to not damage the decoder. This trick works on IM Tunnel motors, Atlas SD50/60's, B23,30-7's, that I have used. I am sure this trick works for other engines with contact problems as well. 'N'joy!
I read that lights flashing when you power up the track means there's a short somewhere (believe it was in a decoder manual somewhere) - be careful!
