I'm trying to put a Digitrax decoder in Micro Train GP 9. CLEARLY over my head. Anyone do this for hire? I love Z but it can make you crazy. Thanks!
Welcome to Trainboard Gbooth. Its not that hard to install the decoder. You need to file some of the post to get the board to fit. If you want somebody who has done it many time, I suggest Ed Turner.
I cant post pictures at this time but there are some tread topics with images in them. However, it *truly* is easy. Have you gotten the shell off? You *dont* have to disassemble the chassis ! Their manual is pretty good although black-and-white pictures are pretty low resolution. Steps: Springs on motor off Light board off Digitrax board on Springs on. Place on DCC Decoder track *after* you have checked for motor sprign shorts. Detail: Get a large white bath or similar towel, to help in case you slip while pulling off the 2 springs. Using a pair of tweazers (relatively fine point, preferably with teeth), put your thumb over the spring and pull the top of the spring (the end that hooks over the circuit board). Un-hook the spring bottom from the motor (NOTE the orienation of the spring - the top and bottom are different). Remove the light board (pry up a bit at the "5th" post that 'locks' it in). Place the Digitrax board on top of the posts for test fit. The notches should be spaced correctly. The LED's on the ends go up (the *very* small square whitish parts at the very end of the circuit board. Position the board so you can get the board to start slipping into the notches. If they go in most all the way, the front of the board can be pushed down the side of the locking post. Hook the springs back on, starting with the motor's loop and then place your thumb over the spring while you pull it up over the circuit board. You should check to make sure that neither motor spring has a short to the frame. Use any simple ohm-meter, available at so many places for as low as $5. You are ready to put it on the track to run it (use address 3 to test, then program it to another address or features, if you desire.
Yup, i took the whole thing apart. I figured out the filing part and got it in but by then all the contacts were out. I've been modeling for a while but dcc in z is all new. Thanks for the help!
