I have 2 SD80MACs and they are both running a DH163 plug in decoder (basicly the same decoder as the 123 but with more features) and the only issue I noticed was the motor clip as listed in the article JB linked. I have an SD90/45MAC that has the DH123 in it and no issues with DCC what so ever. Check all connections, make sure there is nothing is shorting and make sure that the decoder is not shorting through the insulation.
Massey
A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Here's the note from Kato's website. Note that this only applies to the earlier runs of this unit. I have three of these but have just replaced the entire board with a sound decoder decoder board.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Some of Kato's earlier DCC ready boards, like in the SD80, had a problem with one of the motor's contact straps touching one of the traces on the top of the board (it's easy to spot). This would cause a short and fry any DCC decoder. All you have to do is cut the motor's strip down a little or bend it the other way.
_________________________________________________________________
Hi Everyone
I am experiencing issues with one my Kato's. I put a Dh123ps decoder in the loco, but it shorted and fried the decoder. Is there an apparent problem with this loco?
Thanks,
Caso