Hello all I just installed a Digitrax SDN144k0a in a Kato P42 Genesis (N scale) I followed this video: And it went well.....(I did solder the pickup tabs on the board) - it was my 1st install actually, I'm pretty happy So now, I want to do the same for a Kato EMD SD40-2, and it seems the Digitrax SDXN146K1E is a drop in sound decoder as well....( I don't want to mill the frame) Can anyone confirm? Is there any other recommendation for a sound decoder for this engine, w/o breaking the bank AND that is a true drop in? Thanks
Looks like from their instructions here... http://www.digitrax.com/media/apps/...46k1e/documents/SDXN146K1E_flattend_rev.0.pdf .... you would not have to modify the frame. Looks like an easy install. I've done a number of similar ones but without sound that weren't a problem. This one looks like there is a place for the speaker and cap. Look the loco up on Trovestar.com.... https://trovestar.com/general/Searc...hString=kato+sd40-2+&user_id=0&AdvancedFlag=0 .... and see if it is listed as DCC ready. What is the road name and number of your loco? Sumner
it seems the SDN144K1E is also a drop in sound decoder for this engine? Anyone knows the difference, other than the price ? And what about the MRC1806?
This the rest of my Kato engines I may want to equip with dcc decoders As long as there is no frame modification, i would like to consider sound.....otherwise, i will stick with standard dcc By the way, is there a website showing all the possible dcc decoders depending on the engines, such as a "dcc decoder selector"?
Don't know one that covers all the different brands but digitrax has that for their decoders in an easy format to use, Sumner
The leading three digits are the generation number, so a 146 is a newer decoder design than a 144 (what Digitrax refers to as "Series 6"). Series 6 Compatible with Digitrax PX series Power Xtenders to keep locos and sound running in the presence of dirty/poor track work. FX3 outputs optimized for both LED and bulb applications. FX3 outputs have configurable pulse available on all outputs. Improved Scaleable Speed Stabilization (BEMF). SoundFX Series 6 Features Sound decoders available with either 8 bit standard or 16 bit premium sound. Sound decoders configured for 8 Ohm speakers. Allows for longer sound fragments. Available in either standard 3 or premium 4 voice versions. Auto CV configuration by sound projects Scaleable Speed Stabilization (BEMF) optimized for sound operation. Series 4 First generation SoundFX decoders Most are mobile, sound and function decoders, some are sound and function only decoders. You may want to compare the Digitrax sound to ESU. Here is a recent Kato SD40-2 LokSound install that I performed
Oh, lots. But that doesn't bother me. Putting in a decoder, either for myself or for a client, that has superior sound and motor control is what it is all about.