Well just got my MT SW1500 yesterday, OK model, handrails not painted white, rear headlight package is a dummy, not lit and does not have clear lenses, just grey plastic. Runs really well on DC, like a Life Like SW(X). Flexcoil trucks look good, open gearboxes on trucks just like Life LIke. Noticed when I put it on track, the front coupler height was a bit too high (?) Yes this is a MT product so I assume the coupler height would be dead on. The front coupler was too tight, the coupler would not center without a flick of the finger....
Anyway tried to instal a Digitrax DN126M2 decoder. Tested decoder prior to install, readback "3" took a new Address (2510) took a factory reset back to a road number of 3.
Now be advised I have hardwired Digitrax decoders in 3 LL SW(X) switchers before and I would say for me it was a difficulty level of about 7 on a 1-10 scale, but a 3 went very well and still run great to this day..
MT and Digitrax provide shell removal and Decoder install instructions, and it seemd like an easy install.
Shell off, pull wires off DC board, pull DC board Put DCC board in put 2 wires in DCC board, shell on, test, enjoy.
Wrong. When the insert DCC board step hit, the Digitrax board has thick solder on the top contact pads. (which would be nice in other of their DCC Boards), but in this application combined with the crude Chassis casting made shoving the board in a difficult matter. Now mind you I am following the directions but I had to apply alot of pressure to get that board in. Anyway attach 2 wires put shell on put on Programming track, no Address 3 read... no response from decoder. OK. Remember that this model will not operate without the shell being on since the contacts from the trucks to the frame live on the shell...
Take shell off fiddle with board, put shell on try to program roadnumber 2510 in. Nothing. More fiddling with wires to board, board placement, check for shorts with continuity meter, etc. Hook up leads to chassis without shell to programming track, decoder works fine, program roadnumber, reads back etc. Put shell on, will not work. 45 min of fiddling with shell, decoder wires contacts, etc. Finally get unit to run on regular track with shell on- cool. Problem- one truck not making contact with worm gear, so unit is not turning all 8 wheels. More fiddling, motor had became slightly dislodged during fiddling. I notice that when motor properly seated, flywheel for rear truck is about .25mm from rubbing on one frame side more than double on other side. Anyway put on track will not run with shell on, more fiddling 1 1/2 hours so far. Get an Address readout on programming track, with shell, cool. Put on main track BZZZZZZZ sound of a DCC short. Pull off track in less than 1/4 of a second, too late WAH WAH game over. Sending decoder back to Digitrax. Unit works fine with DC Board. If new decoder doesn't work, will have a DC SP SW1500 for sale in a few weeks I will keep you advised. Hey Manufacturers hows about just using freaking NEM decoders in everything, My Fox Valley ES4400 DCC conversion took about 45 seconds. Jeeez plus remember the MT SW1500 is $135.00 MSRP and you are just getting the Life Like POS chassis (POS in terms of DCC conversion) DC it is fine. I dont think the Digitrax decoder is at fault, I assume with the shell on the shell is contacting the decoder and causing some problem
I cant figure it out. One disclaimer, I have hard wired Decoders in at least 85 n scale locomotives including The atlas shay RS3's kato mikado, n scale brass etc, I am not an expert, but I am DCC battle hardened.
