Ben: In the Kato F-3's (new version), I placed the Kapton tape where they suggest in the photo with the enclosed decoder to prevent the decoder from frying. I haven't installed decoders in the F-7's that I have. Decoder installation directions are suspect at best. Stay cool and run steam....
Bob, That is exactly how I did it, the E8's and PA's successful, the F3 and F7 not. There is no difference in the basic instructions for any of these locos. The Digitrax techie's suggestion didn't work either so disregard it. Ben
I'll do some F3s/F7s in two or three weeks so I'll report what happens. No installed decoder on the JJJ&E goes on the layout until I first test it on the programming track. In that way you won't fry a decoder. You'll get an error 01 or 02 reading if there's a problem with the decoder. Stay cool and run steam.....
Bob, Maybe you'll have better luck. I'm putting mine aside for the time being. Working on them most of the day without success isn't much fun. This is supposed to be fun isn't it? :confused7xq: Ben
Ben: Last year I did eight Kato F-3's and they all worked nicely. You must check your technique very carefully. It isn't a difficult installation. Just make sure your motor contacts of the loco contact the decoder in the correct place. Yes it's fun although at times it can be exasperating. Stay cool and run steam....
Bob, mg: Could it be that I have a whole batch of defective decoders? As an experiment I removed the decoder from one of my successful installs. Installed one of the decoders that didn't work yesterday. No loco movement. Installed a brand new decoder. No loco movement. Reinstalled the original decoder. Works like a charm. Nothing wrong with my installation obviously. :angel: Ben
Did you put the decoder from the "One of The Successful Installs" in one of the Locos that did not run with the new decoders. Just a thought. I would be suprised if you have a batch of defective decoders.
Owen, I didn't try that but I will when time allows. I did detail all this to Digitrax. I would be surprised at an entire lot of defective decoders too. But these days who knows? Ben
Ben I am not so sure you have a defective decoder. I experienced similar problems before with these decoders especially with the ones that drop in the Kato E8/9 and the recent SD40-2. Sits on track, light on and hand controller D-nr, D-na etc. I just canno remeber what I did to the command station or programing fucntions to make it work. I know the last time I just gave up on the handheld programming and went with Decoder Pro, Paul above talked about programing mode, perhaps that is it. I just think it is a simple fix, just cannot remeber what I did.
I just tried the "good" decoder in one of the locos that would not run and it worked fine. I have also informed Digitrax of this. Ben
Ben So to summarize: The "Good" Decoder working in another Loco (Loco A) worked in Loco (Loco B) that the new decoders would not work in The new decoder would not work in in Loco A or in Loco B So nothing wrong with the installation preparation since the Working "GOOD" Decoder works in Loco A and Loco B. It would be unlikely IMHO for all the New Decoders to be defective. So I would conclude that you have a programming issue. Are you using Digitrax for the DCC command station and if so which model?
Owen, I am using Digitrax DCS 50. A lot of the following has been covered, but I have read and programmed (on the programming track) three new decoders. Every CV was readable and programmable, including resetting factory values. This is all that Digitrax literature suggests and all that should be expected of a PnP decoder. On the mainline the lights could be controlled but the motors would not respond. Another 163K0b received from Digitrax service as a replacement failed on the programming track. I have now spent several days on what should have been a job of no more than an hour. I'm tired and frustrated and leaving now to go rake the leaves I've been neglecting. Ben
Ben, go beat up some leaves, sorry for your frustration, just trying to help and understand the issue. Talk soon
Did you try resetting the decoder after the install? I've installed two on a Kato F3A and F3B w/o any problems.
Owen, Try to remember. I've done everything that can be done with the equipment I have, including all the suggestions on this thread. The consensus here is that is a contact issue. Digitrax suggested an issue with the insulation. I think I have refuted both. My inexperience had me doubting myself. But I shouldn't have, there is nothing wrong with my installation. MK, Yes, both on the programming track and on the main, including both resetting all CV values to factory default and resetting all values except speed step tables. All programming is accepted, the locos just won't move. And as indicated above these same decoders fail to move a loco known to have proper installation. And the locos in question will run with a decoder known to be "good". I have only tried 3 of the 7 new decoders but don't plan to try any more for fear of the motor clips breaking from metal fatigue. Ben
Well, I finally got a motor to respond using one of the new 163K0b's. Then I started programming speeds. CV02 thru CV05 no problem. Tried to read CV06 and the same thing that started this thread happened. Unable to read any CV or reset factory default values. I think the other decoders will require soldering. But why bother if they are going to die as soon as I try to read and program CV06? I give up. Happy Thanksgiving!!! Ben
Ben, It might be helpful to know what kind of DCC system you are using. Further the directions for that decoder is to apply the kapton tape only to the brass pickup rails. The photo on page 3 of the manual shows exactly how much and where to put the kapton tape. REgards Richard
Hi Richard, Digitrax Zephyr. There is no problem with the installations. Other decoders work in the locos that reject programming using the 163K0b decoders. Ben P.S. I have installed seven drop-in Digitrax 163K0A decoders in Kato locos. Very easy to do. But I am yet to successfully install 163K0b's in any loco. The connection of the motor clips to the decoder pads is more of a problem and where I have done it successfully the decoder dies as soon as I try to read CV06.
Last word on this. Digitrax says CV06 should behave no differently from other CV's and suggested I send the decoders for testing. My thought exactly, and I did send them. Ben
