Hi, Here are some pictures and a short video of my first sound install. I used a Kato C30-7 and installed a Loksound MicroSelect decoder with a Zimo Sugar Cube speaker. I also was able to squeeze some keep-alive capacitors in there. I had planned on installing ditch lights as well since the decoder has 4 function outputs, but it was starting to get too complicated and I'll try that on another install. The modifications to the frame weren't too bad, but it did take some time. Overall - not a quick and simple procedure, but the engine turned out pretty nice. Enjoy! [video=youtube;NFpccq5EuEs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFpccq5EuEs&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Thank you for sharing with us these pictures. I'm still trying to get the nerve up for a sound install. Can you please add a few pictures showing the speaker and surrounding area.
Hi Snyxxx, I know what you mean.. This type of install is a bit nerve wracking considering the cost of the engine, decoder and the speaker riding on it. I actually blew the first decoder during the install when I tried to get the ditch lights working, so I had to replace it. The speaker is just a regular 8x12mm Zimo Sugar Cube. It fit's in the tank pretty well.
Nice sound and a nice installation. This might be the best approach for the big Kato diesels: speaker in the fuel tank area, decoder up top. Are the stay alive caps 100uf or 220uf each? John C.
Hi John, The caps are 100uf each. And while I'm typing this, I just realized that I had bought some 150uf caps as well, and those are just 1mm thicker than the 100uf. Had forgotten all about them.. Oh well, next install. After seeing your videos on speaker comparisons, I will definitely go with the custom chamber as well. What a difference a slightly bigger chamber makes! Thanks for those videos, extremely helpful. There is plenty of room in the tank area of those engines to put a larger chamber in, without removing too much of the weight. Kyle.
