looking for decoders for N scale pre-2006 Kato SD40 and SD45

S t e f a n Sep 25, 2020

  1. S t e f a n

    S t e f a n TrainBoard Member

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    For the post-2006 N scale SD40-2 and similar engines, there are drop-in decoders (like the TCS K1D4 or the Digitrax SDXN146K1) replacing the single long light board.

    The pre-2006 engines have two separate light boards. Are there any decoders (with or without sound) people here would recommend?
    I found older posts (like, 10 years old) mentioning Digitrax DZ125 (apparently replaced by the slightly larger DZ126), the Lenz silver mini (not sure this is still in production), and the TCS Z2 as small decoders which might fit. But these decoders must be pretty old by now.

    What decoders are trainboard members actually using for these older N scale Kato SD40 and SD45 engines?

    Picture of Kato SD45 frame with separate front and rear LED boards:
    Kato SD45.jpg
     
  2. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    The TCS CN-GP can work just fine, but for no sound, I would recommend the new ESu LokPilot Micro, which is tiny with much better motor control
     
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  3. S t e f a n

    S t e f a n TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, Rick! The CN-GP should fit right into the SD45, it seems.
    I saw the general recommendation for ESU decoders in the 'favorite decoders' thread, but man, those guys are expensive! Does one really have to spend 100 bucks on a sound decoder?

    Has anybody fit an ESU sound decoder (Loksound select micro or Loksound 5 micro) into this SD45?

    In the meantime I inventoried all my engines, and the SD40 is actually a -2, with a single long light board; but I don't think I want to necessarily limit myself to drop-in decoders, if ESU for example are much nicer. Are they?
    The best way to find out would probably be to order one of each, and try it out. :unsure:
     
  4. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I have not seen anyone do a conversion on this frame, only the newer. Either way, it takes significant frame modification. Here is what I did for my SD45 (new frame) https://www.trainboard.com/highball...ct-micro-install-in-kato-n-scale-sd45.114503/

    The non-sound (LokPilot) decoders from ESU and Zimo are significantly better than the less expensive ones, but there is nothing "wrong" with those, either. They run fine. For sound, you are not going to get away with "cheap"; ESU, Zimo and Soundtraxx are top-of-the-line decoders, and each have steep learning curves. TCS-WOW really don't fit N-scale, and Digitrax and MRC are (in my opinion) light years behind on sound quality and performance.
     
    Sumner likes this.
  5. S t e f a n

    S t e f a n TrainBoard Member

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    I see, Rick; you are saying I need to buy a mill first, before I can spend money on fancy sound decoders... :LOL:

    Unfortunately I just retired and turned all my keys in, so I don't think I can just pop into one of the less busy machine shops and start milling away...
     
  6. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    I have put together a list of hardwired decoders that seem to be candidates for smaller loco's (N/Z) scale but can easily also work for larger scales. I've listed the sizes that I was able to find (can't guarantee they are accurate) along with how many functions they support. I'd do your own searches for suppliers, current pricing and other info ...

    http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Decoder-1/page-3.html

    Sumner
     
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  7. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Yep! I used to manage a machine/model shop as part of the overall engineering area I had reporting to me. I enjoyed being in there a lot more than on the actual manufacturing lines. Wish I had access to the type of equipment we used to have in there (long since been dismantled).

    It has been a bit over 3 years since I retired, and am loving it.
     
  8. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    I have a smaller mill-drill and ...

    [​IMG]

    ... the Bridgeport clone above. I used them at first but now I prefer this one ...

    [​IMG]

    Way faster to use and I like it a lot.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I have a video up using the rotary cutter ( HERE ). Not as pretty as milling with the 'real' mill but it gets the job done quickly and once the wires/decoder and tape in place and the shell back on it looks about the same.

    [​IMG]

    I've also started using a good jewelry's saw where I can. Also works well. Here is a link to one of the installs I did using both....

    http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Decoder-1/page-5.html

    I could of used a TCS CN decoder in that install and it would of been just a little easier and quicker but using the Lais or a Digitrax decoder is about half the price and probably about as good. The cost is important to me with the number of installs I still have to do,

    Sumner
     
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