Digitrax DN163K1D instalation in Kato GG1 (HELP)

[bc6]

Hey guys I've done about 5 digitrax installations in 4 Kato locos and 1 Atlas loco, But Im having a problem with this one. I've installed the clips from the old light board seated the decoder per the instructions an nothing seems to work. Im using a NCE Command Cab as the controller, Ive tried to reset the decoder and program from the track and get a cannot read cv". Before I send the decoder back to digtrax I would welcome any tips so I dont have to send it back thanks.

[peteski]

I think that the factory-new decoders still come with DC (analog) operation mode enabled. So try running the loco using standard DC throttle.

A handy trick (if you don't have a DC throttle handy or just for doing a quick check) is to get a standard 9 Volt battery and touch it's terminals to the loco's wheels. That will be just like running the loco from DC throttle. The motor should start running.  That is usually a good indication that the decoder is properly wired (as far as the track and motor connections are concerned).  That also would indicate that the microcontroller (the brain) of the decoder is at least somewhat functional. That is because even in DC mode, the power does not get directly from the track to the motor - the microcontroller is still involved in the equation.

If the loco doesn't run under DC voltage that means there is a open connection either on the connections to the track or to the motor.  Or it can also indicate that the decoder has the analog mode disabled or that it is defective.

[bc6]

Well I got my replacement decoder back from Digitrax and that worked with no problem. I guess the original one was toast from the start, that was my original assumption.

[peteski]

Thanks for the followup.  Glad to hear  that the problem is resolved.

[bc6]

Thanks for the followup.  Glad to hear  that the problem is resolved.

No problem.