Installing a Digitrax DZ123
in a Life Like cab diesel.
December 2003
The Digitrax DZ123 decoder is somewhat
wider but flatter than previous decoders.
This makes them well suited for installation
in several Life Like cab models that use
weights on a plastic frame.
After removing the locomotive shell and
rear weight, remove enough of the top
of the rear weight the entire length for
the decoder to fit in. There should be a
ridge left on each side. This metal is not
really hard and I do this with a hand file
in about 15 minutes.
Next, file a slot up at an angle from the
bottom front corner to the top at about
1/2 inch from the front. Then file a slot
across the top to connect the angled
slot with the area removed for the
decoder. Do this on both sides. This
will be the channels for the wires.
There are long wheel contact wipers that
run the length of the plastic frame. You will
need to remove all the existing connections
to this.
Be very careful not to use too hot of a
soldering iron. I recommend the use
of locking tweezers to act as a heat
sink on the motor contact lugs.
The decoder and wires can be secured in
place using a small amount of Wathers Goo.
Notice that the decoder is lettered side down.
The lettered side is flatter and the decoder
can lay flatter when put in this way.
The black, blue, & gray wires go to the left
and the red, orange, & white wires go to the
right. Re-install the rear weight and plastic
retaining clip.
Connect the orange wire to the top motor
contact and the gray wire to the bottom.
Connect the red wire to the right wheel
contact strip and the black wire to the
left.
The blue and white wires get routed
all the way to the front weight and
connected to the original light bulb.
Note the thin strip of styrene used as
an insulator between the bottom
motor contact and the left wheel
contact wiper.
After checking all of the wires are
clear of moving parts and that the
flywheels are turning freely, the
mechanism is ready to test run.