Locomotive decoder LE080XS
3
DIGITAL plus
What is Silent Drive™
Simply the finest motor drive designed for model railroad to date.
Traditional DC decoders use a variety of pulse width modulation
techniques that can result in jerky operation at slow speeds and
also induces noticeable motor noise. The LE080XS uses a new
technique that results in a very smooth DC power to the motor.
This is ideally suited for both high precision coreless motors and
can motors. The result is an exceptionally smooth operation with
virtually no additional motor noise.
Preparing to Install the LE080XS
The locomotive should be operating well on normal DC power
before installing the decoder. Replace worn out motor brushes
and burned out light bulbs. Clean any dirt or oxidation from the
wheels and pickups, and make sure that electrical contact is
smooth. Now is also a good time to lubricate your locomotive. A
locomotive that runs well under DC will run exceptionally well
under DCC.
The LE080XS is very thin and will fit into most HO locomotives
even those with narrow hoods.
Some advice on installing the decoder:
Although the LE080XS has many internal safeguards to prevent
damage, you must not allow any metal part of the locomotive to
touch the surface components of the decoder. This could cause a
direct internal short circuit and the decoder will be destroyed. The
motor brushes MUST also be completely isolated from the
rail pickup. Achieving isolation may require some different
approaches on different locomotives, perhaps unsoldering wires,
placing a thin piece of insulating plastic between brush terminal
and contact spring. If you have a VOM, check for infinite
resistance between the motor and all the wheels. Take special
note that metal contact might occur only when the loco body is
reinstalled.
DO NOT WRAP decoder with electrical tape or shrink wrap!
Doing so will impede air circulation and degrade the performance
of the decoder. Instead, put electrician tape over any part of the
locomotive frame or body that might touch the decoder and use
