Where do I put this decoder??

[jxtrrx]

After hearing the rave reviews of Kato locomotives here, I decided to pick one up at the LHS today. Got a beautiful "DCC Ready" UP SD40 and the Digitrax DH123PS decoder to put in it. Plugged in dedoder, tested. Loco runs properly forward, reverse. Smooth as silk. Lights work. Now just put the shell back on. Uh Oh. I can't find a place to stuff the decoder. The loco weights and plastic tubing for the lights are just above the board where the decoder plugs in. Shell won't close. Anybody ever install one of these?

Thanks for the help
-Jack

[dave9999]

Jack,
Take a look at this link. http://digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dh163k0.php

This decoder is not plug and play, but it is very thin. Good luck, Dave

[jxtrrx]

Thanks Dave,
It looks like that one would replace the whole board in the Kato. I'm not sure Ihave the skills to do that. Was hoping for a plug and play solution.

[rrinker]

If it's like the SD40-2, you need one of the small decoders with an integrated plug.

Here is the TCS one: http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/k40.html

Digitrax's web site doesn;t seem to be working right now but they have appropriate decoders in the same form factor Those would be the ones with IP in the name (Integrated Plug). Also the D14SRP from NCE would work in that loco.

--Randy

[jxtrrx]

I guess I'm always telling my wife about the amazing wealth of wisdom and all of the voices of experience on this forum… so helpful to the new guys among us. I'm always telling her about so-and-so's great idea, or perfect solution. Or so-and-so just asked the very question I've been wondering about and so-and-so explained exactly the answer.

So when she heard me grumbling about my brand new loco, she told me to post the problem and "Randy Rinker will give you the answer." Right she was! Thanks, Randy. I'm disappointed that my LHS recommended the wrong decoder for that loco (they're really terrific, and usually right on target) – simple mistake I guess. I'll track down one with the integrated plug.

-Jack

[Pennsy58]

I have two sd-40's from Kato. One has the Digitrax DH-163IP and the other has the TCS TH-150DP installed in them. These are direct plug in decoders for this engine. What you will find is that with a direct plug in decoder you do have to modify the roof weight. Kato used to have a notice regarding this on their site but it doesnt appear to be there anymore. Perhaps they changed the roof weight with newer releases? So, check it first before modification.
What you will have to do is remove the roof weight. mark where to decoder will hit it and grove it out to provide a space. If I recall I had to shave out between an eighth to a quarter of an inch off the weight.

[rrinker]

Yes, I checked Digitrax since the site started workign again, and they mention that to use the DH163IP you have to shave the weight. TCS and NCE say nothing - I didn't bother to check the actual size of the decoder but I'll bet the TCS TH150 is a bit smaller.

--Randy

[jxtrrx]

Thanks for the info. I'm learning the tru definition of "DCC Ready." What's the best way to shave the weight? Dremmel tool?

[Pennsy58]

Due to the size of the weight and the amount I had to remove, I took mine to my bench grinder. This made it go much faster, but wear gloves. The weight did get a tad hot. See no reason why a dremel tool wouldn't work though.

[cspmo]

QUOTE: What's the best way to shave the weight? Dremmel tool?

I would see if the decoder would fit first, with out shaving the weight. It look to me that there is no reason to remove any material from the weight.

[jxtrrx]

Thanks everyone, for all the help on this project. Decoder is in. Shell is snug. The Kato IS a very nice piece.