Problem with DCC decoder fit on Kato 9-44CW

[Scottl]

Hi all,

I have a pair of these nice Kato locos and I have installed a TCS decoder in one that runs very well.  The problem is that the shell does not seem to sit right on the frame now that I have made this DCC installation.  When I looked more closely, the shell seems to pivot so that one end or the other does not sit down fully.  When I compare the DCC decoder with the original Kato circuit board, one possible explanation is a chip that faces up on the DCC board contacts the shell immediately below the exhaust.  The shell sticks down a bit at this location to allow clipping in the separate exhaust part.

Is this a problem others have encountered, or is it just me?

Cheers
Scott

[mmyers]

You didn't mention the engine type or TCS decoder model but there was interference between a component and the exhaust stack on the dash 9's. There may have been other models but my memory is vague on that. Digitrax's original decoder required removing the plastic below the exhaust stack then gluing the stack beck on after trimming the shell area that used to hold it. The instruction sheet included the steps for doing so. Digitrax later changed the component layout so the cutting wasn't required.
Could be the same modification is still needed with TCS decoders?

Martin Myers

[Scottl]

That sounds like the issue.  The TCS decoder has a chip directly under the stack.  I'll grind it out a bit and see if it helps.  It is good to know that it is not something I am doing here.

[mmyers]

Here's a link to the instruction sheet included with the old Digitrax decoder. You will find details on page 3.
http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/products/mobile-decoders/dn163k1a/documents/dn163k1a.pdf

[Scottl]

Thanks, I fixed the problem by grinding down some of the inside of the shell.