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!

Problem with my digitrax DTH123D 2 Function decoder

2353 views
11 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Gahanna, Ohio
  • 1,987 posts
Posted by jbinkley60 on Sunday, March 30, 2008 5:03 PM

 RyanLaP wrote:
It works while it runs, and it is a RTR locmotive.

Ryan,

 Ok, so this is actually an Athearn in the yellow box and you just plugged the DH123D into the socket ?  Do you have the Athearn model number or what is the road number and road name on the locomotive ?  Or did you have to wire anything ?  Do the lights work OK ?   When it gets hot is that right away, under a heavy load, or under what conditions ?  Sorry for so many questions.  Just trying to help narrow down the issue. 

 

Engineer Jeff NS Nut
Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 126 posts
Posted by RyanLaP on Sunday, March 30, 2008 4:16 PM
 RyanLaP wrote:
It works while it runs, and it is a RTR locmotive. My mistake it is a DH123D decoder.
  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 419 posts
Posted by UpNorth on Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:49 PM

RTR simply means  out of the box and ready to run.  Did you have to solder the DH123D or not. At any rate if it runs ok you might look at the function outputs for your answer (lights).

 

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 126 posts
Posted by RyanLaP on Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:31 PM
It works while it runs, and it is a RTR locmotive.
  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 419 posts
Posted by UpNorth on Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:18 PM
 davidmbedard wrote:

No such thing as an DTH123D.  You must be talking about the DH123D...it makes a difference.

Saying this, this tells me that you have an RTR Athearn...a plug and play.  That being said, you probably have a bum decoders (we have dropped the Digitrax DH series of decoders where I work). 

David B

The " D " at the end tells me  it is harness type ( 6" ) and requires soldering.. if it was a " P " at the end it would be PaP with a 3" harness. the  "PS" is same PaP with 1" harness..

One thing you did not state, do you have a problem with the operation of the loco ? 

Does the engine stop dead and feel hot to the touch at that time ?   If it does no stop dead but is warm to the touch, you do not have a problem.

Another point is this decoder has 2 function outputs that require 22ohm 1/4W resistor if the lamps draw more than 80Ma.  Confusing part is the Digitrax web site says 2x/125MA function but the book says 500ma total function.

 

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Gahanna, Ohio
  • 1,987 posts
Posted by jbinkley60 on Sunday, March 30, 2008 12:23 PM
 RyanLaP wrote:

Hello everybody. I have a problem with my digitrax decoder for my Athearn HO Dash 9-44CW. I sucessfully installed the decoder, but when I felt body of the engine it felt like the motor, and decoder were burning. This is the first time I have put a decoder in by hand so I don't know what caused it to do so. If you guys have ever hade the same experience as I did but have fixed your problem I would like to know how you made your engine work without overheating. Thank you, and happy model railroading.

 

                                                                                                    Sincerely

                                                                                                    Ryan LaPlaca

Ryan,

You didn't give us a key piece of information, is it working or is it just getting hot and not working ?  If it is just getting hot and not working then the cause is likely excessive current draw.  This is likely caused by a short of some type.  You did mention that this is an older Blue Box Athearn so one key is to isolate the motor from the locomotive frame.  If not, that will cause what you are seeing.  If you can provide more information about what is and isn't working (i.e. motor, lights, only one direction etc..), I'll try to help you and not just bash Digitrax.  I've used a number of DH123Ds and the only problem I ever had was self inflicted, where I shorted one out and smoked it.  

 

Engineer Jeff NS Nut
Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, March 30, 2008 11:18 AM
 davidmbedard wrote:

No such thing as an DTH123D.  You must be talking about the DH123D...it makes a difference.

Saying this, this tells me that you have an RTR Athearn...a plug and play.  That being said, you probably have a bum decoders (we have dropped the Digitrax DH series of decoders where I work). 

David B

I agree. It's for this reason that I decided against using the DH123 in any of my locos. The only decoder I have at present that heats up in operation is an old Bachmann POS that's currently in an Athearn GP50. It's on the list for replacement with a Digitrax DZ125.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:43 AM

Ryan, I moved your thread because we are trying to ensure that the forum stays partitioned according to topic, and this newest forum on Electronics and DCC is the place for this one.

-Crandell

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: northern nj
  • 2,477 posts
Posted by lvanhen on Sunday, March 30, 2008 5:42 AM
Try the DCC forum for DCC problems - the geeks - er guru's hang out there!!
Lou V H Photo by John
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:51 AM
First off Athearn made Blue box older Dash 9 and new RTR plug and play.  I do not know if the DTH123D is for the old or new.  But anyway, I would just call digitrax and tell them the issue.  They will give you technical support extension and who is better than that guy? pretty much no one.  good luck!
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 126 posts
Problem with my digitrax DTH123D 2 Function decoder
Posted by RyanLaP on Sunday, March 30, 2008 1:37 AM

Hello everybody. I have a problem with my digitrax decoder for my Athearn HO Dash 9-44CW. I sucessfully installed the decoder, but when I felt body of the engine it felt like the motor, and decoder were burning. This is the first time I have put a decoder in by hand so I don't know what caused it to do so. If you guys have ever hade the same experience as I did but have fixed your problem I would like to know how you made your engine work without overheating. Thank you, and happy model railroading.

 

                                                                                                    Sincerely

                                                                                                    Ryan LaPlaca

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

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!