Has anyone seen anything about which decoder will be the PnP drop in for the new Kato SD80/90MAC's? Harold
Chris, I checked both of those sites as well as Digitrax's site, but no info. However, I did e-mail Digitrax and received this response almost immediately!: Watch the web site for the formal announcement of the decoder for the Kato N SD80-90MAC's. We will be shipping it about the same time as the locos arrive at the dealers. Digitrax, Inc.
Several posts on other lists state that Digitrax will soon release the DN141K2 as a drop-in decoder for the N scale Kato SD80/90. Bsed on their recent decoder history, this decoder will have 1 amp, four functions, and Digitrax transponding. I don't know about back EMF control, like in the DN149K2. I have not personally confirmed this info, but have seen it on other lists, including the Digitrax list.
Hi Russ, and I guess a welcome to TrainBoard is in order too! I checked the Digitrax site again earlier today, and still no info. I did check one message board and someone stated they altered a DN148K (RS/RSC2 decoder) to fit very easily. If that is the case, then I am in luck, since I have 4 decoder equipped RSC2's I could easily remove the decoders from Harold
I posted a note in the Atlas forum about this: A person at my club put the decoder from a RSC-2 into the SD90. All he had to do was slightly file down the side edges at the front of the decoder. He then put some Kapton tape where appropriate to prevent shorts and away the engine went. It was a very simple mod and install and took him about 5 minutes for both engines. When comparing the RSC's decoder to the SD90 lightboard I think there is about 1/4 inch difference in length. The SD90 lightboard being longer. When I looked at the engines running I could see no problems with light intensity. Also the decoders for RSC-2 are about $25 give or take. Lots less than some of the latest Digitrax decoders. It beats waiting for Digitrax to release the new decoders and then wait for dealers to get them.
Here's an excellent article (with pictures) that shows how to install a Lenz decoder (not PnP) onto the existing Kato light board. This article sure makes it appear easy! http://www.nscalesupply.com/decoders/KatoSD8090/KatoSD8090.html Harold
Chessie; Both Loys and Tonys sell NMRA plugs that you can attach to your decoders and make them plug n play. Check out Lenz's new micro minature decoder.. it's smaller than a dime.
I now have confirmed why the RS/RSC2 decoder fits in the SD80/90MAC's: they are the same Kato light board! Both are clearly marked "Kato 17643" however, the SD80/90's have noticably longer leads on the rear LED. (I have both models and checked them together.) Harold
