I have a Kato SD70Ace with a decoder in it and a peculiar issue. When the shell is off, the engine runs fine. However, once the shell is on, the headlight won't turn off, is partially dim, and the engine won't move?
Has anyone else had this issue?
If it works fine with the shell off, the decoder is not fried. You may have a wire being pinched by the shell which shorts out, or if the decoder is not shrink wrapped, perhaps the shell pushes the decoder into contact with the frame and shorts something out.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I have a few Kato's. I agree with Randy. Did you install the decoder?
Mike.
My You Tube
TyMWMRRFan I have a Kato SD70Ace with a decoder in it and a peculiar issue. When the shell is off, the engine runs fine. However, once the shell is on, the headlight won't turn off, is partially dim, and the engine won't move?
Rich
Alton Junction
This thread sounds remarkably similar to the problem I described in the thread Botched a decoder installation which is now locked but you can read about it. I used wires that were too big a gauge and therefore too stiff. My soldering was less than precise. I strongly suspect that when I put the shell back on it squeezed one of the soldered connections got pressed against the metal housing of the motor which in turn is connected to the metal frame. That would create a short. Unfortunately in my case, when I removed the shell the decoder wouldn't work at all. Later it showed some signs of life so it may or may not be salvageable. If your decoder still works fine with the shell off, the problem is probably not in the decoder. Look at your connections and see what might be getting presseed against the frame or motor when you put the shell on.