I remember reading somewhere that when installing a decoder in an Athearn BB loco, something has to be done to the bottom of the motor and I can't remember what it was.Also the Digitrax instuctions mention adding lights of 1.5v or 12-16v, which one do I use? Please help.
You need to put a piece of tape in the bottom of the motor cavity so the bottom tab can't touch the frame. If it does, you will damage the decoder. Electrical tape will work but the clear yellow Kapton tape is stronger and thinner.
If you are using a DH123AT or DH163AT you will need 14-16V bulbs to hook directly to the decoder. Or 1.5V bulbs plus resistors. Or some white LEDs with a 1K resistor on each one.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker You need to put a piece of tape in the bottom of the motor cavity so the bottom tab can't touch the frame.
You need to put a piece of tape in the bottom of the motor cavity so the bottom tab can't touch the frame.
More than that, you need to either bend flat, the two prongs that contact the frame, or clip them off alltogether.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
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rrinker You need to put a piece of tape in the bottom of the motor cavity so the bottom tab can't touch the frame. If it does, you will damage the decoder. Electrical tape will work but the clear yellow Kapton tape is stronger and thinner. --Randy
If you don't bend those tabs down they will eventually poke a hole through the tape and short out the decoder. I flip the top and bottom strips around while I have the motor removed from the chassis to solder the decoder wires to it so the tabs are on the top of the motor and can't cause a problem.
I was still on the previous post about using a DH123AT or DH163AT. Nothing to bend there, you get new clips.
Last time I suggested switching the top and bottom clips someone said I was nuts. Easiest way to get a flat bottom clip though.
rrinker Last time I suggested switching the top and bottom clips someone said I was nuts. Easiest way to get a flat bottom clip though.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Blue Box, yes.
Thank you all for the information. I have 6 of these locomotives and bought a decoder (DH123AT) and will try it out to see if it's worth doing the rest. I read numerous discussions on this forum concerning kits versus RTR. BB kits like any other require some detailing (MU hoses,grab irons, painting number boards,etc...) something I might save for my retirement days. Thank you again.
Great video's on how-to,on you tube just do a search.
Ibeamlicker Great video's on how-to,on you tube just do a search.
There was a good how-to video on there from someone called mtrails. The video is no longer on youtube, seems that the owner took it away. It's a shame too since the video was a pretty good how-to.
Here is the dead link in case anyone wants to verify its death:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZku8qp0BBs
TONY
"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)