VO

VO-1000 application note regarding use of Kapton tape to protect electrical shorting of motor leads to frame of loco.

Before installing the VO-1000 decoder we recommend placing a small piece of Kapton tape over both motor leads. Place the tape in such a way that the top of the motor lead is not covered. The top of the motor lead must rest against the bottom of the decoder. Only cover the area of the motor lead that comes close to contacting the frame of the loco. See photos below! There is very little clearance between the motor leads and the frame. ( A definite over sight on the part of Atlas). We are talking only a few thousands of an inch. We have had several decoder warranty repairs do to the motor leads shorting against the frame. We used 1/4" Kapton tape cut to about 3/16" long. We put the tape in place using tweezers. It is not necessary to take both sides of the frame off to apply the tape. It can be slipped down from the top and put in place. It is not hard to do and could save a lot of trouble! If you do not have Kapton tape, it is available from TCS.

Top photo is looking down from the top. The tape can be slipped into place without taking the motor assembly out of the frame. Bottom photo shows engineers side. Notice tape placed over motor lead to protect it from shorting against the frame.