Hi All,

I have installed a Digitrax SDXH166D decoder in a Bachmann 2-6-0, after having cut the leads and placed the decoder between the rail pick-ups and the motor/headlight combination, using the tender as the place for the decoder/speaker unit, allowing for extension leads to tie the units together. I've observed the decoder connections - red and black leads to the wheel power pick-up, and the orange and gray leads to the motor/headlight. No luck on trying to run the loco/tender on the default 03 setting, as well as trying it on the DC 00 setting. I'm assuming the headlight, which appears to be an incandescent bulb, is in parallel with the motor, since on DC, it comes on when running in that mode. I've added a rear LED light with resistor in the tender, with the usual blue-yellow combination.

Suggestions?

Jim,

Thanks for the additional "heads up" on what appears to be an inadequate soldering and insulation job on the installation of a decoder on the EMD FTB unit. 

Fountainville Express

Len,

Thanks much for the very detailed installation reference. I installed a decoder in a Athearn loco last month, but needed to call Athearn and Digitrax to get a sense of compatibility and fit. Fortunately, the Athearn loco had a DCC harness in place, but since this was my first attempt in going from DC to DCC, I wanted to get assurances that I wasn't going to screw up the effort!

Fountainville Express

Hi folks,

Since I used to work for the CB&Q RR, I bought the Bachmann EMD FT A&B units with the CB&Q shells. I'm running them on DC, but wondered if anyone has done a DCC conversion for these locos? If so, please advise on decoder installation. I'm using the Digitrax system.

Thanks,

Fountainville Express