Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Rivarossi decoder install

671 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2009
  • 159 posts
Rivarossi decoder install
Posted by mkepler954 on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 7:53 PM

I'm attempting to install a Digitrax SDH164D decoder on a DC Rivarossi HO 2-8-8-2 Y6B N&W locomotive.  The left side wheels on the tender send current to the right wheels of the loco which also has continuity to the frame so I'm assuming this is the neg side.  My problem is finding the loco's pos pickup.  I've tested continuity between the left side wheels and every conceivable part of the loco to no avail.  Help! 

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 8:19 PM

mkepler954
I'm attempting to install a Digitrax SDH164D decoder on a DC Rivarossi HO 2-8-8-2 Y6B N&W locomotive.  The left side wheels on the tender send current to the right wheels of the loco which also has continuity to the frame so I'm assuming this is the neg side.  My problem is finding the loco's pos pickup.  I've tested continuity between the left side wheels and every conceivable part of the loco to no avail.

Are you testing continuity with the motor still connected?  That would be why there is continuity from left tender to right loco.   Rivarossi used a split power pick up scheme.  The loco picks up from one rail and the tender the other.  The wheels on the other side are dead.  I think you will find the right wheels of the loco is one power pick-up (hook to red wire) and the left side wheels of the tender are the other power pick up (hook to black wire).

Make certain you disconnect the motor from the frame, the orange wire replaces the place on the motor that was connected to the frame.  The grey wire goes where the wire from the tender connected to the motor.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 8:44 PM

It appears you have continuity but not a short. The resistance of the motor and the headlight. Probably under 100 ohms resistance I would think.

Connect a decoder with the motor still connected to the track and you will burn up the decoder. Lights and motor need to be disconnected and only connected to the decoder.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    December 2009
  • 159 posts
Posted by mkepler954 on Friday, November 15, 2013 9:31 PM

Thanks!  I was afraid to install the decoder for fear of frying it.  Turns out the tender is the left side pickup and the weight in the loco is the right side.  And it works!

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!