Digitrax sound decoder in Kato engines

french_guy Jan 18, 2020

  1. french_guy

    french_guy TrainBoard Member

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    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
     
  2. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    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
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2020
  3. french_guy

    french_guy TrainBoard Member

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    20200118_190559.jpg 20200118_190624.jpg
     
    Sumner likes this.
  4. french_guy

    french_guy TrainBoard Member

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    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?
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2020
  5. french_guy

    french_guy TrainBoard Member

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    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"?
    20200118_175614.jpg 20200118_175654.jpg
     
  6. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    Don't know one that covers all the different brands but digitrax has that for their decoders in an easy format to use,

    Sumner
     
  7. french_guy

    french_guy TrainBoard Member

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    does anyone know the difference between both Digitrax decoders: SDXN146K1E vs SDN144K1E ?
     
  8. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    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
     
  9. french_guy

    french_guy TrainBoard Member

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    Did you have to do any milling ?
     
  10. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    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.
     

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