K-Line Mikado Cruise Control Upgrade

[dougdagrump]

Who on the board has upgraded(?) their Mikado and did you do it yourself or have it done?
Were you happy with the results or disappointed?
If you were not happy with the upgrade, why?

[iguanaman3]

I did the upgrade on my UP mike about a month ago. I used a hudson upgrade kit and it has worked perfectly. It is now my smoothest loco. It runs perfectly as slow as 3 Smph. I have it set to 128 speed step mode and the control is super! No magnets to explode or tape to get messed up either. Highly recommended.

Neil

[Anonymous]

I have also done it and it runs great, but use the 128 step mode, it does not run as good in the 32 step mode. You can also fine tune the engine to run even better yet.
Use the driver diameter command and set if for 1 1/4 inches = 1.50 on key pad and then try the gear ratio setting at 15 to one or 150 on the key pad.
Dave.

[superwarp1]

You are better off changing the gear ratio than changing the driver size. All my Kline engines have been converted and all run great.

Gary

[superwarp1]

gear ratio program that is

[dougdagrump]

I did mine some months ago, right after they came out. It was a disaster from the start. After doing the upgrade had all kinds of problems with sounds, controls, lighting etc. After trying to figure it out, without success, I sent it to K-Line. They found a bad chuff switch, replaced it at no charge, and sent it back. I am still experiencing problems with the system, dropping in dropping out, non responsive to cab-1 movements, just a real pain in the [censored].
I am to the point of maybe having the system pulled out and reinstalling the original motor and NON cruise control operation. [V]

[iguanaman3]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougdagrump

I did mine some months ago, right after they came out. It was a disaster from the start. After doing the upgrade had all kinds of problems with sounds, controls, lighting etc. After trying to figure it out, without success, I sent it to K-Line. They found a bad chuff switch, replaced it at no charge, and sent it back. I am still experiencing problems with the system, dropping in dropping out, non responsive to cab-1 movements, just a real pain in the [censored].
I am to the point of maybe having the system pulled out and reinstalling the original motor and NON cruise control operation. [V]

Are you running in 32 step mode? Problems have been reported that go away in 128 step mode. Also If your board does NOT say Rev. 3.0 or higher you need to call k-line and get a replacement board. Many people have reported good service from k-line on this problem,

Neil

[bibeaud]

I am about to upgrade my Mikado using a Mikado upgrade kit I just located. Any more hints or suggestions??

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bibeaud

I am about to upgrade my Mikado using a Mikado upgrade kit I just located. Any more hints or suggestions??

Go slow. Read the directions. Use wire screws. Test it before reinstalling the shell.

Mine works great and the cruise is outstanding.

[GregM]

If you have a digital camera, take pictures as your disassembling the engine. May come in real handy if you have problems or forget where things go.

I also recommend moving any wires running between the R2LC board and the motherboard. When I installed the upgrade kit in my PRR Mikado, I had issues with flickering lights.

One more thing, be careful with the wires to the motor (brown and grey I think) I pinched one (almost cut it in two) when I installed the motor the first time. May want to reroute these also. I did that when I installed the upgrade in my NYC Mikado.

[ChiefEagles]

OGR has DVD/video on doing a Cruise Control upgrade [or is it a TSA EOB?]. Not at home to check but I have it. Might help.

[Anonymous]

I have located a K-Line Mikado of high interest. The three issues which are causing restraint from purchasing is of course I do not need to spend the money, having issues with my K-Line engines and parts are costing me plenty, and the fact that I'll only purchase if I can find an upgrade cruise kit.


bibeaud, you mention locating one. Do you know by chance if the provider has another kit? Would it be possible to obtain the contact info?

UPDATE: I found a Mikado Cruise Upgrade kit and now have to decide if the total cost is something I want to take on.

[GregM]

mcguirel,

A father day present?

[Anonymous]

And what would you like for Father's Day[?]

[GregM]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mcguirel

And what would you like for Father's Day[?]

Was just an attempt at a little humor. But since you asked, a K-line B&O Mikado and a cruise upgrade kit would be nice. [}:)]

[Anonymous]

Has anyone seen or heard about the K-line cruise control in conventional control as in with a transformer? According to the last catalog I got from them they stated both would be available. All I can find is the command version of which I see Charles Ro has some great prices on their website..

jamesh1943

[bibeaud]

I aquired my Mikado Cruise Upgrade kit from Roundhouse South at http://www.roundhousesouth.com. However, after receiving the kit, I "chickened out" and sent the kit and the Mikado to Digital Dynamics http://www.digitdynam.com to have the cruise kit installed.

Check out Digital Dynamics.....they should be able to locate a kit for any reader of this post who needs one. I am still waiting for my Mikado to return.....the coal hoppers are getting anxious.

[bibeaud]

Mikado arrived from Digital Dynamics this afternoon. A quick tryout already and it looks good. Will run it some more tomorrow to further evaluate it.