Hello,
I was wondering if anybody out there has had any problems with adding a digitrax decoder to a Kato budd car. I did everything the installation directions said to do, but when I try to run it there is no response at all. It there a special way I need to program it? I am using a Zephyr system.
If you have any suggestions please let me know.
Thanks
DT
These are not the easiest units to add DCC to. The decoder sometimes will not make contact to the motor. I have had to add jumper wires between the motor and the decoder. And some times the decoder will not make contact to the rail pickups too. You need to check both.
I have installed and programmed Digitrax decoders in a couple of Kato RDC's with no problems. If the RDC does not work on address 03 and the lights don't function than the decoder is not getting power from the pickups. Did you test the decoder before installation? I test and program decoders before I install them so I know if it is going to work. This way I know that if I have a problem it's my installation that is at fault.
I got the lights to work but it won't move, Is it a matter of programing specific CVs??
David,
lights respond to address 3 and I changed the address and they responded as well.
So you are able to change the address and turn off and on the lights?
Do a factory reset to see if that will not clear it up, then try to run on address # 3- If it runs, then change the address. and set up the lights.
Like David and others have already pointed out - check the motor contacts to decoder connection. These are notorious for no motor contact. The decoder and the two contacts need to be just right. I soldered both of mine. The fact that you can control the lights means that the decoder is making contact with the rail pickups. Lights wouldn't work if they weren't.
Martin Myers