Since you bought yours with the decoder installed, I'd go straight to Kato. I own a bunch of Kato N scale diesels and have found them to be responsive for the few problems I've encountered. As far as my FEF is concerned, my saga has deepened. I've sent my decoder back to TCS for reprogramming. After I sent it back I talked to someone at Kato who said it sounded like my motor was not properly isolated. That caused me to start comparing my FEF to the exploded diagram from the Kato Web site. I found two insulators missing (both under part number X02-2048) -- one covers the motor and one snaps in over the worm gear. I called Kato back and they sent the part to me. I got it today and installed both insulators; now I'm waiting on my TCS decoder to be returned to see if that solved the shorting problem. If it didn't, I'm sending the loco and decoder to Kato for a thorough examination. This series of problems (and, of course, intermittent problems are the hardest ones to solve) has reached the end of my patience and expertise. Good thing is, if the industry is moving toward cordless motors hopefully a lot of the control problems will be ferreted out.
I spoke with TCS yesterday the drop in decoder issue and they informed me the fix will not be ready for another 10 days to 2 weeks. While we talking I asked about the WOW Sound Decoder for the Coreless Motors. They told me they have the same issue with their sound decoder also but they are getting that issue resolved also. I gave them a verbal order for a Wow sound decoder as soon as they get the programs finished. Hopefully they will give me call in 2 weeks.
I called Kato today - they have heard about the issue from a number of people. They are directing me to TCS and say that they are responsible for fixing the firmware on their decoder which is causing the issue. I called TCS this morning but got voicemail. I left a message but haven't received a return call from them. I'll try again tomorrow.
Initially I hesitated on this purchase because of some previous disappointments from Kato, but eventually I weakened (partly due to some early rave reviews of the FEF-3 posted online) and bought one of the Kato/Kobo DCC FEF-3 locos because I didn't want to go through the aggravation of installing a decoder only to have Kato tell me I voided the warranty by installing DCC, should there ever be a problem. They get a high premium for the Kobo version, touted as a "custom DCC install", and now they say it is the buyer's responsibility to remove their custom factory installed board and return it to TCS for updating? That is just pure BS, passing the buck like that, but not that surprising to hear coming from Kato USA! My Kobo FEF had similar problems and went back to the dealer via USPS Friday. Thinking that my problem was an isolated incident and expecting that there would be no stock left for the dealer to use as an exchange, I requested a refund. After reading this thread, I'm glad I did, because I really don't need the aggravation of dealing with expensive defective products from a manufacturer who doesn't want to stand behind them. Very disappointing, to say the least. Bill in FtL
Hi just got my reprogrammed decoder back from TCS, installed, set Address to 844, put on layout runs like a boss! Super slow super smooth, like any TCS equipped unit. All default settings except for address. Runs like all of the videos of FEF's with other decoder installs.... TCS took care of 'bidness, very happy must go to sleep goodnight.
DC behavior for ths loco My brand new N-scale Kato FEF has the factory fitted TCS decoder. With my DCC throttle currently in the repair shop I am trying to run with DC, but with no success. With 0 to 2.0 volts DC applied the loco draws from 0 up to 90 mAs. At 2.5V, 290 mAs, at 3.0 volts, 1.15 A (!). No lights and no movement. For comparison my Bachmann 2-10-2 at 4.5V draws 20 mAs, at 5.0 volt 40 mAs and is lit and moving slowly, and is speeding along at 10 volts and 50 mAs. Very different. I read that FEFs with factory decoders are having issues with DCC. Can someone report how they behave with DC? Has anyone experienced my particular type of symptom with DC?
My brand new N-scale Kato FEF has the factory fitted TCS decoder. With my DCC throttle currently in the repair shop I am trying to run with DC, but with no success. With 0 to 2.0 volts DC applied the loco draws from 0 up to 90 mAs. At 2.5V, 290 mAs, at 3.0 volts, 1.15 A (!). No lights and no movement. For comparison my Bachmann 2-10-2 at 4.5V draws 20 mAs, at 5.0 volt 40 mAs and is lit and moving slowly, and is speeding along at 10 volts and 50 mAs. Very different. I read that FEFs with factory decoders are having issues with DCC. Can someone report how they behave with DC? Has anyone experienced my particular type of symptom with DC?
Sounds like yours either has a mechanical bind or a short. I know of at least one person whose FEF had an insulator left off, so you might want to check that. Read post #39 of this thread.
I broke down and ordered a K6D4 for my 844. Hopefully it is new enough to be the new version. I will be here Monday or Tuesday. I'll check the version and see what I get.
Hi all, I have just taken delivery of my FEF with factory fitted TCS decoder. It sat on the test track for all of 30 seconds and the decoder went up in smoke without the loco having turned a wheel. Unfortunately I am in South Africa so returning the loco to KATO in the US is going to be a nightmare. This is my first experience with a TCS decoder. Needless to say I am extremely disappointed. Since the decoder was factory fitted I do not have the original lighting board. Any suggestions?
Return the decoder to Train Control Systems. They will replace the decoder with a reprogrammed decoder that should work properly. http://www.tcsdcc.com/ Shades
The K6D4 has finally reached the across the pond - at least it's finally arrived at one of my regular suppliers. I've now got one; version no. is 088 and would appreciate someone here putting my mind at rest and confirming it is the upgraded firmware.
