DCC install

[Anonymous]

I am new to this post/forum and new to the world of DCC. I have managed to get about 6 older engines running, (this is a big deal to a non techno like me) but I have run up against a wall. Any ideas on Proto 1000, RS 10 and a digitrax DS163?
This nice tidy board has me buffaloed.
As well, are there any links to boards where install tips are available?

[rrinker]

Simple way - strip out the Proto1K board. That's wha I've done with them, and also on some older P2k that didn't fit the Digitrax DH163L0. I've traced some of their screwy wiring and it's much easier to just get rid of their junk and wire the decoder in. It's pretty straightforward since you have 2 wires from each truck, one on the left rail and one on the right rail, and 2 wires coming from the motor. If you've been able to do older ones, this should be a breeze since there's no motor isolation issues and there is a clearly defined wire leading to each part you need to connect the decoder to.

--Randy

[SpaceMouse]

I'm not familiar with the DS163. Does it have a plug-in socket or does it have 8 loose wires.

I did an install photo essay on a simple install that might be worth a look.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=43020

[rrinker]

A DH163 (with no suffix) just had wires - and a 9-pin plug and socket on the decoder itself. The suffixes Digitrax applies to their decoder numbers indicates the type of fitment - K indicates Atlas/Kato, L for Life-Like, P indicates an 8 pin plug, PS indicates an 8 pin plug with short harness, etc.


--Randy

[Anonymous]

My experience with a Proto 1000 RDC 3 went like this: Step One was cut the traces on the board where they were marked with an "x". Step Two: solder the decoder wires to the solder pads. Step Three: Put engine on track and watch decoder fry. [%-)] Step Four: Buy new decoder and save the old one to send in with $17 for factory service when I get around to it. Step Five: Strip all of the components off of the LL board. Step Six: Solder proper decoder wires to pick-ups from track, motor, and lights (I replaced LL's bulbs with 16v bulbs). Step Seven: Test to be sure that everything is OK. Step Seven: Reinstall bare Life LIke board to keep decoder from falling down into interior. Step Eight: Reattach shell to loco and put on couplers.

I recommend skipping steps One through Four, inclusive. Begin with step Five.

Woodard

[C):-)]

[Anonymous]

Thank you all, I tried the process suggested by Randy, and it was as easy as suggested.