I've got the "hood propped" open on HO Kato C44-9W locomotive. I would like to add a decoder; I prefer TCS. TCS has the A series decoder that is designed to "drop in" and replace the factory light board. If I go this route; it appears that I would have to solder light bulbs to replace the LED's that are on the light board.
OR
It looks like I could get a T series decoder, with an appropriate harness, and plug it into the factory plug (after pulling the jumpers) and get to keep the factory installed LED that "drives" the headlights and the ditchlights.
Am I on the right "track"?
Yes
Jack W.
If the LEDs are on the light board than go with the plug in decoder. Even the DP2x decoder would be a good fit.
Here is a link.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
locoi1sa If the LEDs are on the light board than go with the plug in decoder. Even the DP2x decoder would be a good fit. Here is a link.http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/k40.html Pete
Thanks!
I don't know why I have never considered the DP2x; it looks just like what I need!
tin can I've got the "hood propped" open on HO Kato C44-9W locomotive. I would like to add a decoder; I prefer TCS. TCS has the A series decoder that is designed to "drop in" and replace the factory light board. If I go this route; it appears that I would have to solder light bulbs to replace the LED's that are on the light board. OR It looks like I could get a T series decoder, with an appropriate harness, and plug it into the factory plug (after pulling the jumpers) and get to keep the factory installed LED that "drives" the headlights and the ditchlights. Am I on the right "track"?
I know you are asking about TCS decoders but to give you another possible option, I jiust did this same task on 3 C9-44Ws with Digitrax DH165K0s. I took the LEDs off the old boards and soldered them to the new decoders and away I went. I also added Soundugs and speakers for sound.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Please note that the DP2X is only a 2-function decoder - headlight and reverse light. There aren't enough functions to also provide ditch lights. I suspect with a standard decoder plugged in to the 8 pin connection, you will get ditch lights that come on with the headlight, or are always on.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Presumably the new release C44-9W has the same setup as the SD40-2 Mid. If this is the case you will only need a 2 function decoder to have working ditch lights in DCC.
I used Digitrax DH123PS in my SD40-2. Ditch lights change from flashing to steady on F1. This is covered in the Kato instructions although they don't make much sense until after you have fitted the decoder.
Bill
A DN143IP will drop right in with, no changes, if you aren't looking for sound. It will give you extra functions, if needed.
bagal Presumably the new release C44-9W has the same setup as the SD40-2 Mid. If this is the case you will only need a 2 function decoder to have working ditch lights in DCC. I used Digitrax DH123PS in my SD40-2. Ditch lights change from flashing to steady on F1. This is covered in the Kato instructions although they don't make much sense until after you have fitted the decoder. Bill
Apparently they control the flashing etc. with their circuit board and just use on function to turn it on and off. I guess the reversing of the lights is also controlled by their board, since if you use one function to control the ditch lights that only leaves 1 more for both the front and rear lights. Kind of nifty actually, you can use a cheaper decoder and still get the effects.