Hello all:
I have somehow unsuccessfully attempted to put 2 different make decoders (a TCS and a Digitrax) into 2 different DCC ready J-class 4-8-4's.  Both units ran a couple of loops on DC (for testing), before the decoders smoked and burned up.  It seems that the wiring used between the locomotive and tender are nothing more than bare wires, with what appears to be some kind of "chalky" covering / insulation over the wire (flakes off if moved around too much.)
I have since removed the decoders, replaced the jumper plugs, and all seems to work as it should.  As far as I know, DC is more forgiving than DCC.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had the same or similar problem with a DCC ready loco, or am I the only one?
Any thoughts / inputs are more than appreciated.
Thank you all for your time and consideration,
very respectfully,
Mike
Pahrump, NV

Hello everyone:
I have a  Spectrum 4-8-4 J-Class loco, which is advertised DCC ready.  I have done a few decoder installs before, but opening the tender on this loco shows a PC board I am unfamiliar with-no standard 8-pin NEM socket.  Instead, it apparently has 2 sets of inline sockets, with what appears to be phosphor bronze clips over the PC board-the included manual doesn't seem to be much help, as it states to connect the wires together. I was wondering if anyone has installed a decoder into this loco, and if they might have any suggestions?  Any help / input is greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration,
very sincerely,
Michael
Pahrump, NV