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Adding a decoder to an n scale Kato Budd car and not running

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  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 1,206 posts
Posted by mfm37 on Thursday, May 19, 2011 7:52 PM

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

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 693 posts
Posted by woodone on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 3:45 PM

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.

aet
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • 79 posts
Posted by aet on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 8:38 PM

David,

lights respond to address 3 and I changed the address and they responded as well.

aet
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • 79 posts
Posted by aet on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 8:06 PM

I got the lights to work but it won't move, Is it a matter of programing specific CVs??

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Westchester NY
  • 1,747 posts
Posted by retsignalmtr on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 7:34 PM

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.

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
  • 693 posts
Posted by woodone on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 5:10 PM

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.

aet
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • 79 posts
Adding a decoder to an n scale Kato Budd car and not running
Posted by aet on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 4:34 PM

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

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