Inc Sound Module Decoder - Manual

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If there are mechanical issues with your locomotive, fix them before you install

the decoder. Since you have to open up the loco anyway, do a tune up before

you install the decoder. Digitrax recommends using a conductive brush lubri-

cant like Aero Car Technology’s “Conducta” brush lubricant (aerocarlubri-

cants.com) to minimize brush noise in all locos. Be sure the brushes are mak-

ing reliable contact and that the commutator is clean.

Decide where the decoder will fit inside the loco. Is there space to put the

decoder or will you need to “make room?” Is there a decoder made specifi-

cally for the loco? Digitrax offers a variety of decoder sizes, form factors and

current ratings to accommodate almost any locomotive. Check the Decoder

Selector at www.digitrax.com for a list of recommendations. If there is just

nowhere in the locomotive to install a decoder, it can be installed in a piece of

rolling stock that is wired to the loco for controlling the motor or you can run it

on your Digitrax system as an analog locomotive on address “00.”

3.3 Choosing The “Right” Decoder

3.3.1 The Digitrax On-Line Decoder Selector

The Digitrax On-line Decoder Selector is an on-line list of decoder recom-

mendations for specific locomotives. Visit www.digitrax.com/decoderselector

to use the Decoder Selector. The Decoder Selector is also part of the Digitrax

Toolbox App for mobile devices. Most Digitrax Authorized Dealers can also

help you determine which decoder will work best in your locomotive.

4 Steps To Choosing the Right Decoder for Your Loco

1. Is there a decoder made for your specific loco? Check the Decoder

Selector at www.digitrax.com/decoderselector for specific decoder

recommendations for specific locomotives. If so, you can skip steps

2 & 3.

2. What is the stall current of the motor in the locomotive?

3. How much room do you have available inside the loco?

4. Do you want a decoder that does motor and function control and

would you like to add sound? If you are planning a sound installa-

tion, remember you’ll need to have room for the speaker and sound

hold up capacitor.

3.3.2 What Is Your Loco’s Stall Current?

For HO locomotives, most modern high efficiency can motors draw less than

1/2 amp when running and less than 1 amp when stalled at 12V DC. These

motors will use 1 amp & 1.5 amp decoders. Some older HO motor designs

(older Athearn open frame motors, Pittman motors, etc.) may exceed these lim-

its and will need a higher current decoder for better long term reliability. Most

current production Digitrax decoders are rated for at least 1 amp, even if they