Swapping the Digitrax DT400 cable????

[nebrzephyr]

Was curious if any forum member has swapped the factory DT400 throttle flat cable with a retractable coil cable. The DT400 is out of warranty (also discontinued) so opening the case would not be an issue.

Thanks. Bob

[canrailfan]

Hi Bob,

I did both of my DT400s with no problems, using 7' cables from Digikey (A3662R-07C-ND).

When you get a cable, check that the orientation of the wire colours in the coiled cable plug matches the existing flat cable plug. They are supposed to be standard but sometimes can be reversed. If the colours match, it's a one-for-one replacement on the throttle circuit board, if they don't you'll have to remap the connections accordingly.

Digikey has 10'and 14' cables as well if you need a longer reach.

David

[nebrzephyr]

Jan 12, 2015 9:09:08 GMT -8 canrailfan said:

Hi Bob,

I did both of my DT400s with no problems, using 7' cables from Digikey (A3662R-07C-ND).

When you get a cable, check that the orientation of the wire colours in the coiled cable plug matches the existing flat cable plug. They are supposed to be standard but sometimes can be reversed. If the colours match, it's a one-for-for replacement on the throttle circuit board, if they don't you'll have to remap the connections accordingly.

Digikey has 10'and 14' cables as well if you need a longer reach.

David

David...thanks. Can I assume the internal connection in the DT400 for the cable is a solder connection? Not a problem, just like to know what to expect. Bob

[canrailfan]

Hi Bob,

To get into the DT400 you'll need to remove the two corner screws that are exposed when the battery cover is off.  The battery clips must also be taken out, these have a little tang that locks them into the case.  I use a thin metal strip made from an old feeler gauge to slip down behind the battery clip, this prevents the tang from catching on the case and the clip will slide out.  Once the battery clips are out, the case back slides about a half inch toward the top and can be removed.

Here's what you'll see when you get inside...



You'll need to remove the black cable tie that secures the cable to the board.  I just lay the cable over to the left to unsolder the wires and reverse the process to attach the coiled cable.  I dress the coiled cable end and wires to match the cable being removed and once the new cable is attached I bring it back around and put a new cable tie on it.

Last step is to re-assemble the case.

Hope this helps.

David

[nebrzephyr]

David.....thanks a bunch. The info and photo will be a big help. I was hoping someone had done this so I didn't have to do "trial and error", emphasis on "error".

Bob