Is this Kato loco DCC-ready/friendly?

[The_Ghan]

The Digitrax DH165K0 is a direct board replacement.  You can read more here:

http://www.digitrax.com/products/mobile-decoders/dh165k0/

Cheers

Nige'

[Train Modeler]

Soundtraxx has a direct replacement for it with correct sound files.

Richard

[Marty C]

Metro,

I have installed both soundtraxx mobiles MC 1 and 2 and NCE 14sr decoders in similar Kato engines with good results. Only mods I made were having to add a pin extender (readily available at your local hobby shop) and added a piece of electrical tape over the mounting screw just behind the engine's socket to ensure isolation of the circuit board. Good luck.

 

Marty C.

[Metro Red Line]

wp8thsub

Like other Kato mechanisms of similar vintage it has an 8-pin socket, so all you should have to do is plug in a decoder with an 8-pin plug and harness.  Note the lettering on the PC board identifying "pin 1" so you can properly orient the DCC plug.

Thanks! Good to know!

[gondola1988]

The orange wire is the # 1 on the upper left in the pic, or if you are using a plug and play check the instructions for orientation.

[wp8thsub]

Like other Kato mechanisms of similar vintage it has an 8-pin socket, so all you should have to do is plug in a decoder with an 8-pin plug and harness.  Note the lettering on the PC board identifying "pin 1" so you can properly orient the DCC plug.

[Metro Red Line]

I have an HO scale Kato C44-9W bought in the '90s. Here's a picture with its shell off. It has a light board with LEDs. Can anyone tell me if this loco is DCC-ready/DCC-friendly, or at least does not require any major modifications to add a decoder?