What Decoder Is This???

[oakcreekco]

Found 4 of these decoders in my parts drawer today.

I know that they are HO, probably for some HO Katos that I have stored away. (SD40/SD45's from mid 2000 +/-)  Bought the decoders about the same time I'm guessing.

No ID# on either side of the board, but good chance it's a Digitrax unit as I bought a Chief system decades back for my HO and N engines

I checked the Digitrax website, but couldn't find any "retired" product that looks like this, so, no part/model # to download a spec/feature sheet.

Appreciate if anyone one knows what model # or series this might be. 

Like a dummy, paperwork and info sheet are hiding out somewhere.

Appreciate any help telling me what these are.

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[peteski]

That "r0" symbol in the corner reminds me of something I've seen on either Digitrax or Lenz decoders.  I'm leaning more towards Digitrax.  It has a standard 8-pin interface. One way to find out would be to connect a motor (or a resistor) load to the motor outputs, and then  the track pins  to the programming track, then read the mfg. ID CV.

[oakcreekco]

That "r0" symbol in the corner reminds me of something I've seen on either Digitrax or Lenz decoders.  I'm leaning more towards Digitrax.  It has a standard 8-pin interface. One way to find out would be to connect a motor (or a resistor) load to the motor outputs, and then  the track pins  to the programming track, then read the mfg. ID CV.

Thanks. My old memory bank is fading with my HO stuff, as I  caught the "N" bug and lost all focus on my HO switching layout.

Having gotten into DCC with Digitrax, I'm pretty sure that I stayed with all Digitrax decoders at the time. My LHS was a big Digitrax dealer, and offered great support.

Anyways, I'll have to dig out my locos and see if the old Digitrax still is working well like it used to.

I hope so.

Thanks again

[oakcreekco]

Did some more digging today and found it. It is on the Digitrax website, I finally got to the right section. Looks like it was discontinued in 2007.

It is a Digitrax DH163IP.

Like I  don't have enough to do on my N layout, I'm going to start cleaning and checking out the HO switching layout with these decoders and my old DCS100 Command station. The DCS100 was discontinued in 1995. 😂

Fingers crossed.

[peteski]

I'm glad the mystery is resolved.
That sure is some real vintage DCC equipment, although DH163 is a 3rd generation decoder. Not as vintage as DZ121 I have (1st generation firmware).   

[oakcreekco]

I'm glad the mystery is resolved.
That sure is some real vintage DCC equipment, although DH163 is a 3rd generation decoder. Not as vintage as DZ121 I have (1st generation firmware).   

Hey, I  still have Dynatrol stuff stashed away. 😂

[peteski]

Hey, I  still have Dynatrol stuff stashed away. 😂

That's impressive!
I remember it being used on a O scale layout with those color coded phono ID plugs being used. And also I remember the receivers in those large O scale locos burning up from time to time, releasing that magic smoke. That scent is unforgettable. 

[oakcreekco]

That's impressive!
I remember it being used on a O scale layout with those color coded phono ID plugs being used. And also I remember the receivers in those large O scale locos burning up from time to time, releasing that magic smoke. That scent is unforgettable. 

Peteski, I don't know if I'm mad at myself for asking for help, or for you offering your assistance to me on this HO stuff.

The good is, I spent the weekend cleaning off my HO switching layout, and getting the rails ready to operate.

More good is that I found 9 HO engines, 6 with decoders.

The bad is, well, my 30 year old Digitrax DCS100 finally bit the dust, and the DT100 is right about there too. Guess that I got my money's worth out of these. 😂

I've spent some time checking new Digitrax out on line, and I'm close to pulling the trigger on a combo that will suit my HO switching needs perfectly.

So thanks for the help and inspiration.

My 9' x 18" HO switching shelf.

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[peteski]

You're welcome! I didn't really think anything of it, but I'm glad I was able got your HO model railroad blood flowing again. 

But I will probably get some flak for getting one of TRW (strongly N-scale-biased forum's) members back into HO scale.  Oh  the humanity!   

PS. You know, asking those seemingly innocent questions can get someone in trouble!   

[oakcreekco]

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You're welcome! I didn't really think anything of it, but I'm glad I was able got your HO model railroad blood flowing again. 

But I will probably get some flak for getting one of TRW (strongly N-scale-biased forum's) members back into HO scale.  Oh  the humanity!   

PS. You know, asking those seemingly innocent questions can get someone in trouble!   

At my age, blood flowing is good. 😂

I put a lot of thought into this design, to force PITA switching moves. Simple looking and fun to operate. Built around 2000 and
this is where I stopped. I got very sick.

I caught the "N-Fluenza" and started my little "N"empire 😂

So you shouldn't catch too much flack cause I'll  be running both at the same time. Mainline running the N, and switching in HO.

Thank you.

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