I just installed a Digitrax DN163A0 and it appears I have a motor short. Has anyone else installed a decoder in their Atlas GP40-2? What areas do I need to pay the most attention to in order to isolate the motor? It looks like the wipers on the trucks run along the frames the whole length of the wiper. That will be pretty difficult to isolate I would imagine... Should I also post this in the DCC forum?
Sheldon: To isolate the motor you must place Kapton tape under the decoder to prevent it from hitting the frame. Look at the photo's that came with the decoder directions and you'll see where the Kapton tape has to be placed under the decoder. A piece of orange Kapton tape is wrapped around the decoder and a piece of foam when you opened the package. Stay cool and run steam......
Sheldon: On every Digitrax decoder you buy ther's a piece of Kapton tape(orange/brown in color) that's used to isolate the decoder from the motor frame. Usually you have enough tape to do two loco's. You can buy a roll of Kapton tape for $12.99 at any e-tailer that specializes in DCC. It should last you many years. This is the only tape you should use to isolate decoders from the loco fram as it won't allow a heat buildup around the decoder as other tapes do. Stay cool and run steam.....
Turns out it was just the motor contacts not lined up properly with the decoder board. Small adjustment and it's working fine.
