Please help identify this decoder

[craigolio1]

Hey all. This decoder is in a Kato N scale P42. It’s non-sound and says Digitrax FX3 on it. I looked on the website and the current offering for this loco is the DN163K0A but this one looks different so it’s some earlier version. It has the more orange looking LEDs vs the current offerings’s clear plastic.

I’m trying to figure out what the solder pads are for additional functions. Is someone able to identify which decoder this is?

Thanks.

Craig.

[Rasputen]

If I search for images of the DN163K0A, I see some that look like yours, with amber diffused LEDs.  So perhaps this is just an earlier version with the same name?

Oops, I guess you realize that .

[thomasjmdavis]

I have some old (from earliest run of Kato DCC compatible Fs) -K0b (for F units) that have the 'amber' LED- so I think your speculation about it being an older version is correct.

[peteski]

The important thing is that it is a Digitrax DN163-whatever.  Regardless of its age (earlier or later run), a 163 is a 163. Functionally they are all the same.  There are no other versions available in that PC board outline.

In Digitrax nomenclature the "1" means it is a 1 Amp decoder. "6" means it has 6 function outputs, and "3" identifies the version of the firmware programmed into its microcontroller chip.  3rd generation firmware.

https://www.digitrax.com/tsd/KB184/mobile-decoder-naming-convention-and-decoder-numbe/

Interesting that the chip itself has the Digitrax name and "FX3" engraved on it.  That likely means that the firmware is burned-in at the manufacturer. Digitrax must buy a large enough of a quantity for the manufacturer to produce custom runs of those PIC microcontrollers.

[craigolio1]

The important thing is that it is a Digitrax DN163-whatever.  Regardless of its age (earlier or later run), a 163 is a 163. Functionally they are all the same.  There are no other versions available in that PC board outline.

In Digitrax nomenclature the "1" means it is a 1 Amp decoder. "6" means it has 6 function outputs, and "3" identifies the version of the firmware programmed into its microcontroller chip.  3rd generation firmware.

https://www.digitrax.com/tsd/KB184/mobile-decoder-naming-convention-and-decoder-numbe/

Interesting that the chip itself has the Digitrax name and "FX3" engraved on it.  That likely means that the firmware is burned-in at the manufacturer. Digitrax must buy a large enough of a quantity for the manufacturer to produce custom runs of those PIC microcontrollers.

I figured it was a 163 but its layout is a little different than the current release so the manual is of no use in identifying the function solder pads.

Craig

[peteski]

Oh, I see.  It is silly that they changed the board layout but left no documentation available for the older decoder.  I'm pretty sure I have the instruction sheet for the older version you have. I'll have to find it.  You can identify most of the function output pads. They are paired with the positive pad with a "471" resistors connected to it.  But to be sure, better find the old instruction sheet.

[craigolio1]

Oh, I see.  It is silly that they changed the board layout but left no documentation available for the older decoder.  I'm pretty sure I have the instruction sheet for the older version you have. I'll have to find it.  You can identify most of the function output pads. They are paired with the positive pad with a "471" resistors connected to it.  But to be sure, better find the old instruction sheet.

Thank you very much.

[peteski]

Here you go Craig:



Notice the 2002 date on the page. It is over 20 years old!  Still, Digitrax should get a dope-slap for not having the legacy manuals available.

[craigolio1]

Here you go Craig:



Notice the 2002 date on the page. It is over 20 years old!  Still, Digitrax should get a dope-slap for not having the legacy manuals available.

Thank you!  They may have them available. I just couldn’t find it.

Craig

[peteski]

Thank you!  They may have them available. I just couldn’t find it.

Craig

Neither could I, so even if they are available they don't want us to find them. 

You're welcome!