Kato HO - F40PH warning.

Hi All. I found a small problem on the loco that was shipped to me which will affect DCC users. On the Kato light board pins 2 & 3 had a solder bridge which shouldn’t have been there.

Before installing a decoder I tested that the motor was isolated - this was OK and I installed the decoder NCE D14SR put it on the program track and it programmed OK so I assumed it was ok. I tested it under power and it moved fine in both directions, I next turned the lights on and then it all went west. That’s when the short came into play.

The end result was I blew a decoder that I’d purchased a few hours earlier. [:(]

There is no problem with the loco under DC. I am concerend that there may be models out there with the same problem so guys check the underside of the circuit board before you plug in decoder.

Tim.

Tim,

You’ve provided a VERY VALUABLE service to your fellow modelers. Quite a few guys here model Amtrak, VIA, and some commuter rail agencies, so they would likely appreciate your post. [4:-)][tup]

High Greens to you!