dcc problem

[Anonymous]

I just bought atlas commander. now the problem. I have two lifelike and one mantua engines which I wi***o get dcc ready. I've looked and can't find any instuctions for these engines. I have a digitrax decoder dh163d to install, is this the right one? also when they say to isolate the engine, does that mean to disconnect the wires going to the wheels or what?
john

[dknelson]

you need a book I think. But isolating the motor means more than just disconnecting wires, as a rule. Many motors, and older Athearn and Mantua are among them, actually receive electrical pickup through the frame -- so only one wire goes to the "other" contact. That is what you need to insulate so that the motor only gets electricity after it has gone through the decoder (I am grossly over simplifying here)
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

thanks dave, I think now I know what they mean by putting tape under the motor. john