Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Kato HO C44-9W decoder question

3542 views
8 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 7:46 PM

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.

                       --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Gahanna, Ohio
  • 1,987 posts
Posted by jbinkley60 on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:55 PM

 

A DN143IP will drop right in with, no changes, if you aren't looking for sound.  It will give you extra functions, if needed.

 

Engineer Jeff NS Nut
Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 289 posts
Posted by bagal on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 6:16 AM

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

 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 6:35 PM

 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.

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Gahanna, Ohio
  • 1,987 posts
Posted by jbinkley60 on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:48 AM

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/

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • 598 posts
Posted by tin can on Sunday, June 14, 2009 5:08 PM

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!

Remember the tin can; the MKT's central Texas branch...
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Sunday, June 14, 2009 1:36 PM

  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

 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!

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Trois-Rivieres Quebec Canada
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by jalajoie on Sunday, June 14, 2009 11:51 AM

Yes

Jack W.

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • 598 posts
Kato HO C44-9W decoder question
Posted by tin can on Sunday, June 14, 2009 11:43 AM

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"?

Remember the tin can; the MKT's central Texas branch...

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!