I installed two DN163A0 plug-n-play decoders in an Atlas GP40-2 and Dash 8-40BW. Both have the same problem. After programming they light up and the headlight functions work all right, but they won't respond to the throttle. I haven't programed in quite awhile and may be doing somthing wrong, all other previously programed locos seem to work just fine. I also tried it out on adress 03 before programming and got the same thing.
Could be a typical problem with these installs: Poor contact with the motor leads or frame points. Our club DCC guru posted a fix for this issue a long time ago on our website: http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dcc/plugnplay.html Harold
Brian: The motor contacts of the loco aren't properly contacting the decoder. Add some solder to the contacts and that should solve the problem. This is a recurring problem with the Atlas diesels and the Digitrax DN 163A0 decoders. Stay cool and run steam....
Brian, I had the same problem with one of my Atlas SD-9's. Like Chessie mine was poor contact with one of the motor leads. As PSG1790 has stated "This is a recurring problem with the Atlas diesels and the Digitrax DN 163A0 decoders." I just bent the lead but you could break it so I wouldn't suggest that tact! Bob's method sounds better!
same problem here - sent it in for new decoder with no hassles - suggest you try #1 give the decoder a new address and see if that works (it did for one) or #2 if that fails, send it in
I noticed on my DCC factory equipped SD24's that they appear to have beefed up the contact points with solder! Harold
Just to be sure I understand, are you saying that I can get better contact simply by adding a little bit of solder to the decoder?
Just to be sure I understand, are you saying that I can get better contact simply by adding a little bit of solder to the decoder? [/QB]</font>[/QUOTE]Southern Rail Fan: No. You add some solder to the top of both copper motor contacts of the loco. The added solder will now contact the underside of the decoder. Stay cool and run steam.....
Your decoder would still work, but it's much easier to add the solder to the motor contacts of the loco. In N scale the "easy way" rules... Stay cool and run steam....
Brian, I've heard that it could take several weeks to get your decoder back so try all avenues to make it work before sending it in. Sounds like PSG1790's advice will solve your problem!
espeeman: It works all the time... It also saves alot of aggravation waiting for Digitrax to return the decoder to you. Stay cool and run steam.....
Well, It worked for one of the decoders, but not the other. I tried the one that dosen't work in 3 different locos with no luck. Of course I can still program it and the lights work all right. Is there any way to test these style of decoders?
This is odd, if he's getting lights, there must be good enough contact. Perhaps a programming problem???
Funny, I just installed one of these Digitrax decoders in my Atlas GP38 last night. I had the same problem, I could program and lights would work, but no go. I took it back apart and basically bent the copper motor leads up so they would contact the pads on the bottom of the decoder. Now it works, I guess I should have looked at Bob's advice.
Chris: Either the solder method or hardwiring the decoder to the motor contacts are proven long term solutions. Stay cool and run steam......
Do you expect that I will have trouble with the locomotive in the future? i.e. the copper strips will have intermittent contact?
Occasionally they can move around from vibrations and become disengaged. I had one Trainmaster that was notorious for have the copper contacts moving. I finally hardwired the contacts to the decoder pads. If they're working for you, leave them alone for now Stay cool and run steam....
