Locomotive decoder LE103XF
3
DIGITAL plus
Preparing to Install the LE103XF
The locomotive must be tested for excellent operation 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.
Take note which motor brush is connected to the right rail and
which to the left rail. This information allows you to connect the
decoder to the motor with the correct polarity.
The LE103XF is quite small and will fit into most HO locomotives
even those with narrow hoods.
Some advice on the current draw of the decoder
output:
The current for all the decoder outputs is supplied by an internal
rectifier with a maximum current rating of 1.2 Amps. The sum of
all currents to the motor and the function outputs cannot exceed
this limit. Each individual output can only draw up to it's limit.
Summing up the individual current limits leads to a number larger
than 1.2 Amps., but they still are not permitted to draw more than
this limit.
Example:
Suppose the motor may require as much as 1.0 A continuously.
Then the function outputs combined must not exceed 0.2 A. If the
directional headlights require 50 mA each, then the load on
function 1 and 2 must not exceed 150 mA.
Some advice on installing the decoder:
Although the LE103XF 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.
