Guys I am ready to install DCC in my Kato EMD SD70Ace KATE, any suggestions on which decoder to install? I have been running Digitrax & would love sound, but not a big MRC fan. Question: 2 of the guys out there running this unit, how do you feel about how well they are performing.? I am off to the OKC Train show this week end and am planning to buy a decoder and another heritage unit, but not sure which one ,so any input would be appreciated . :w20z6q:
I like the engine, and put a Digitrax decoder in it. I think it was the one for the latest-run SD40-2 that fit. You do have to make some minor mods to the front of the PC board so it will get contact.
Kato USA list the Decoder and install instructions Here is a link from Kato USA directing Decoder selection and install http://www.katousa.com/N/SD70ACe/maint/DCC.html
as much as I hate MRC's quality, they're the only player in the n-scale sound game for drop in diesel locos... I've got a 1644 in my SD70ACe, and it's been fine so far. Only thing is you have to shorten the front light pipe to clear the front LED, and do a little bit of trimming on the rear of the chassis to clear one of the chips but that's easy enough.
I have added both the Digitrax and TCS decoders to my SD70ACe's. One of the Digitrax decoders was DOA and repalced by Digitrax. Personally, I found the TCS decoder a bit easier to install and get running vis-a-vis maintaining contact between the board and the forward frame slot. As to running, my four are smooth and quiet.
The proper TCS decoder is the K1D4 NC or even the K1D4. The only difference is that one has the motor contacts and the other uses the original contacts from the Kato lightboard. I have them in all of my SD70Ace units and they work flawlessly.
Art, I used the K1D4 NC, followed the instructions on the Kato web site and had it installed in just a few minutes. I have always liked the TCS decoders and used them in HO from the very beginning of TCS. TCS has a great warranty (which I have never had to use).
They rock! (Just my personal view.) Their warranty is great, they run good at low speeds and the lighting functions are great. You even can dim the LEDs, which is impossible with Digitrax. I am talking about N-scale decoders only, as I don't have experience with other scales.
