Help - Kato AC4400

[eja]

I scored a Kato AC4400 off of the 'Bay which arrived today and has good news/ bad news associated with it.

The good - the listing didn't say anything about DCC - but is came with a Digitrax decoder in it. (Fortunately I run DCC)

The bad - it runs perfectly going forward, but does not move at all in reverse.  The rear headlight responds correctly to the directional command.

Any suggestions as to where to start looking to fix this would be greatly appreciated.  (I have already done a decoder reset)



Thanks,

[peteski]

If the analog mode is enabled (should be after a decoder reset). run it on DC ans see if it works correctly. If you don't have DC throttle (or your throttle does not play well with decoders), use a standard 9V battery. Touch the battery terminals to the loco's wheels and see if it will run both ways.

[u18b]

I have had several decoders through the years that did something partial like you are experiencing.

I never got them to work and assumed something was burned out.

Hope you have better luck.

[ryan_wilkerson]

What brand and model decoder?
I have been pleasantly surprised 5 times with a locomotive containing a decoder when no mention of it was made! It's like DCC Christmas morning

[eja]

If the analog mode is enabled (should be after a decoder reset). run it on DC ans see if it works correctly. If you don't have DC throttle (or your throttle does not play well with decoders), use a standard 9V battery. Touch the battery terminals to the loco's wheels and see if it will run both ways.

Looks like I have a bad decoder.   I tried the 9v battery test with the decode in the loco and it behaved the same way.   I then removed the decoder and then contacted the motor leads directly and it runs in both directions just fine.


Thanks for the suggestion and quick response.

ed anderson

[ns737]

you can test the decoder in a engine you know works, if you have one that take that same decoder.

[milw156]

I have a SD70MAC which behaves the same way. Talked to Digitrax at Sacramento NSE convetion, said it was a burned out motor control, to send it back for replacement. Try contacting them & see what they say
Rick

[eja]

I have a SD70MAC which behaves the same way. Talked to Digitrax at Sacramento NSE convetion, said it was a burned out motor control, to send it back for replacement. Try contacting them & see what they say
Rick

Thanks for the suggestion...

I am reluctant to do that, however, as the "surprise" one is old - a DN163K1 -  the current offering from Digitrax is DN163K1C

[peteski]

I agree with Ed: if the decoder behaves the same in DC mode (and works fine with no decoder) then most likely it is one or two of the motor driver transistors. 

[nkalanaga]

Eja:  I'd contact them anyway.  Even if they won't do a direct swap for the newer version, you might get a discount, which would be better than buying a replacement at full price.  The worst they can say is "No deal", and you might be pleasantly surprised.  Nothing to lose!

[PeyRil]

I know your decoder is for the kato ac4400, but if you don't mind NCE products you could send it in to them and swap it for a Brand New one of theirs. Just $10 each plus $3 for shipping. I had about 4 various Lenz decoders out of some Atlas locos I swapped out with them. It doesn't even matter if their working or not! I don't know if they have an match for yours, but I was able to request a specific model.

https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201045899-Mobile-Decoder-Swap-or-Exchange

[ryan_wilkerson]

I know your decoder is for the kato ac4400, but if you don't mind NCE products you could send it in to them and swap it for a Brand New one of theirs. Just $10 each plus $3 for shipping. I had about 4 various Lenz decoders out of some Atlas locos I swapped out with them. It doesn't even matter if their working or not! I don't know if they have an match for yours, but I was able to request a specific model.

https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201045899-Mobile-Decoder-Swap-or-Exchange

Now that's an interesting service, I hadn't heard about this program before.
I have a dead NCE decoder along with a Lenz and an MRC sitting here. I don't think NCE makes a drop in for Kato 6 axle locomotives but I've used their decoders for Atlas 4 axle units (GPs and B Dash 7s) so maybe I'll box these up and request some N12A0 for GP40s that are needing decoders.
Thanks for the link.