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Decoder size for KATO switchers and Spectrum FM H16-44s ??

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  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 180 posts
Decoder size for KATO switchers and Spectrum FM H16-44s ??
Posted by Otis on Thursday, December 27, 2007 8:05 PM

I am away from my collection for some weeks, but preparing an online order of decoders to have on hand when I get back.

Just realized I had not opened up several KATO RS switchers and others before I left to see what size they would take.

Since I have almost 3 dozen decoders to get, I would like something like the NCE D13SRs that aI have used on many of the lower end locos to date.

Ques: 1. Can I get a D13SR into KATO RS series switcher?

         2. or  into Bachmann Spectrum  FMH16-44s ?

         3. Otherwise, perhaps what N scale decoder would you recommend (budget wise) for these road switchers?

         4. Also, Do the old stock Atlas Kato C-425 series have 8 pin light board sockets or  will all need    hardwiring?

Thanks to anyone who cares to answer, or point out where I have gone wrong in my questions.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,860 posts
Posted by wjstix on Friday, December 28, 2007 1:56 AM

I guess it depends, have you taken a look at the engines' instruction sheets and such?? The more recent version of these engines should be set up to accept an 8-pin "plug and play" decoder. Is there an eight-pin receptacle on the lightboard?? Otherwise, several companies make lightboard replacement "drop-in" decoders for Kato engines.

If nothing else, any HO decoder should be able to be hardwired into place.

Stix

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