I have installed decoders in my Atlas engines that are "plug and play." Five out of seven are fine. Programmed immediately and ran like swiss watches. However, two, a B23-7 and an SD35 will not run. Their twins do fine and both B40-8's and a Trainmaster as well. I have examined everything, contacts, drive linkage, wipers. Both report good and the lights will change directions when the direction is changed, but no go. The motor appears not to be turning. These were DC locos and ran well when analog. The decoders are Digitrax DN163A0's. I did try programming both to "03" just to make sure I had not changed something when I programmed the two not responding. Being brand new to DCC and having a ball with it and the layout I'm building in a spare bedroom I need help to maintain my euphoria. Thanks for the help, Doc
Doc: The Digitrax DN 163 A0 decoder isn't lined up properly with the the two copper motor contacts coming from the loco. You can solve this in either of two ways. You can add some solder to each copper motor contact coming from the loco and touching the underside of the decoder. Or, you can hardwire the copper motor contacts of the loco to each pad under the decoder. This last method is the best way to solve the DN 163A0 decoder and Atlas loco problem which is quite common. This happens infrequently with the original light board as the contacts of the light board are much larger than those of the DN 163 A0 decoder. I hope this helps. Stay cool and run steam....
