Help with Digitrax Decoder DN163K2 for Kato SD80MAC

[traingeeks]

Zephyr - N Scale.

I bought two decoders for my Kato SD80MAC and seem to have issues even though i followed instructions. One decoder writes the address and displays on my Zephyr but when i try to run the train nothing happens. No light or anything.

The second decoder I installed and displays "d nd" and I can't figure out what the heck is going on. There is no short when I got the other decoder to write.

Any help is appreciated. I am new to DCC and the hobby.

 

[mavrick0]

The biggest problem with digitrax decoders right now is how thin they are compared to the light boards. What I do before I even install the decoder is first with a pair of sprue cutters nip off the excess board infront of the contacts. Reason for this is because that extra little bit can stop the board from going all the way into the frame properly. Second thing I do is tin the contacts on the board where the frame will touch. Just a thin coat of solder on the top and bottom is enough to thicken it up for good contact with the frame. Digitrax use to do this but stopped about a year and half ago. This should fix the problems you are having.

 

[Jon NFL]

Digitrax has a pretty good support section on their website. It may take some persistant digging but you may find help if you are still having problems.

 

[traingeeks]

Man I fiddled with the decorder that works when assigning addresses for over 1 hour. I finally gave up. I will just don't get any response out of the loco. I even put back the factory decoder and assigned it to 00 and it work to verify the motor and contacts are good.