Hello Everybody. I have a problem with installing Digitrax SDN144AO decoders in a pair of "DCC ready" Atlas n scale C630 locos. Trying all 4 combinations of loco / decoder always gives me the dreaded "quick flash" of LEDs on the decoders, which indicates a dead motor short. I have sound, but no motor function. These decoders have slots for the motor leads (I read about problems with Atlas motor leads slipping off the decoder pads on the underside) and I have routed the leads through those same slots. I have Kapton taped everything in sight - the motor leads do not touch each other on the underside of the decoder. The motor sits in a plastic frame, so it indeed appears "decoder ready". I have gone to the extent of assembling the loco frame without any decoder or light board in place, and my multimeter shows no short between any of the frame halves to each other or to the motor leads. I have also taped the frame in the proximity of the motor leads, so any bent leads as the decoder is inserted into the frame slots cannot cause a short. Email responses from Digitrax simply say I have to have a motor short somewhere. The locos run fine in DC mode with the original light boards in place. I have never put the shells on the frames yet, so I can still see all speaker/capacitor wires, which are deliberately bent up so they don't contact the frame. These are the recommended decoders according to the Digitrax website, so I'm wondering if anyone else has installed them, or if they have encountered these same problems. I'm an old N scale guy from back in the '70's, got away from the hobby for awhile, and am now back in it with my son, and just transitioning to DCC (Digitrax Zephyr Extra with PM42 for block management). I have done some successful conversions, but this one has me stumped. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks!
