I have some Kato and Atlas engines that are 8-10 years old in excellent condition. Can DCC be added and if so is it expensive?
If they are the older 'split board' design...the TCS "CN" series of decoders will work...there are a simple few wires to solder. https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Products/Decoders/N-Scale/ClassicN/CN-Series.htm
I've installed three of the TCS CN series decoders in both Atlas / Kato and Walthers / Life-like Proto 2000N scale locomotives without any problems. In my opinion they are a lot easier to install verses a hard wired decoder, plus the TCS CN decoders had the LED's installed on the boards. With a hard wire decoder you'd also have to install your own LED's for the forward and rear headlights. Here is a photo of my most recent TCS install. Also I recommend you get the Kapton tape from TCS. This tape works great for insulating the motor brush caps from the frame. https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Con.../ToolsAndSupplies/Kapton_Tape/KaptonTape.html
I have decoder installation done for me. I had decoders added for: two of the Micro-trains FT A&B units, Model Power 4-4-0s, 4-6-2s & 2-8-2, Kato 2-8-2s and Atlas 4-4-0s. Most recently I had dcc and sound added to two of the Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0s that we not initially dcc ready. Prices vary for; but I feel it was a good investment in the hobby. For most of these, I purchased the decoder from the person and paid for them to be installed.
Seems like all the Kato locomotives from 2004 and up were DCC ready with the exception of the Mikado. Most Atlas locomotives were also DCC ready from 2004 and up. The notable exceptions would be the smaller RS units and some of the GP7/9s. In the event that they are DCC ready, then there are also board replacement decoders.
What's the best decoder for a ConCor PA-1? I'll have to cut out a chunk of the upper weight so the least space I need is the best.
Hope this helps... http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Cont...Scale/Con_Cor/Alco PA-1/Con-Cor Alco PA-1.htm
How about a Micro Trains EMD FT A/B units. Its not listed on the TCS site? Can it be done or is it too old!
I think these are the decoder used in my two sets; they are the only ones I actually purchased and supplied to the installer. Sorry everything is packed for anticipated move, so I am not certain where the actual paper work is.
It is also pretty easy to install a TCS Z2 decoder in the Micro-Trains FT units as well. See this for a good explanation: http://n-scale-dcc.blogspot.com/search/label/Loco: Micro Trains FT Brad is here on trainboard and has done all sorts of installs.
I have a couple. four to be exact, of the Kato 2-8-2's. I understand that the installation of DCC is not an easy task. Any suggestions?
Once you get up the nerve to do it it's really not all that hard . Just follow the steps at http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Cont...Kato/USRA_Heavy_Mikado_Locototive/Mikado.html and take your time . I used a Digitrax decoder instead of the TCS decoder just because that's what I had . I just left the light alone , so it's always on . Then its a simple job of 4 wires .
I feel it has been worth the price to have someone with experience do the installations; they have the experience. As I recall the Kato 2-8-2s vary slightly from the initial to later runs; some of that involves the drawbar harness. Not certain what adaptions that requires for decoder installation.
No need to touch the drawbar . All the connections are in the boiler . Only thing in the drawbars are the stiff wires . They sometimes need adjusted , but thats just for contact reasons.
Kato's Mikado is hard DCC install to do, and do it right. Watch out for first run units has they had poor driver electrical pick up. Second run units had better drivers. Look at the drivers on the back side and see if you can see two small strips making contact to the wheel treads. If they do you have a first run unit. Most times you will find that most of the drivers do not pick up power through these strips. All the pickup is coming from the tender.
I've been going through this mans website all night, its worth its weight in gold.. What I'd give for him to be a mate and local! or to train me on how to do it But I cannot see myself having the skill to solder that finer wiring and boards with wires that close together. What soldering iron and tools do people use??? It really does my head in - I have 10+ Atlas Classic's to do and numerous steam locos inc Concor GS-4's - so paying to get them done all the time would be silly $$$$.
I have to agree about the TCS CN Decoders; I have put a few in and it is easy, though they are more expensive than the Digitrax wire in units. i scored a sale at a large dealer in Denver and got DZ-123's for $14 each, so I bought 18. A little harder but the price was great!
