Kato GS4 Issue Converting to DCC

Robert Diepenbrock Feb 6, 2022

  1. Robert Diepenbrock

    Robert Diepenbrock New Member

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    Gents,
    I'm in the process of converting a first generation N Scale Kato GS4 to DCC using the 58731 ESU Loksound 5 micro DCC Kato decoder.
    I've successfully converted an N Scale first generation Kato GS4 in the past, and I'm an experienced modeler. As I had done before I was "isolating" the motor by soldering leads directly to the motor brushes. This must be done VERY CAREFULLY with a minimum of heat from the soldering iron. I had completed soldering the motor lead to the left brush but when I touched the soldering iron to the right brush it transferred enough heat to the motor housing (which is plastic) and the right brush "popped out."
    The motor is now unusable and I'm exploring ways to "cold solder" the motor leads to avoid this issue in the future. There's a few cold solder conductive "wire glue" products out there but they're expensive. There is also the question whether the "wire glue" will provide a strong enough bond. Has anyone used such a product and can recommend?
    ALSO anyone have a spare Kato GS4 motor they want to sell? Kato is out of stock.
    THANKS! Robert Diepenbrock
     
  2. woodone

    woodone TrainBoard Member

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    Do they say they will restock the motor?
    Do not think too many people are going to have a spare motor on hand to sell.
    I do have a motor, but need to hang on to it in case my own GS-4 dumps a motor.
    I would tell you that you should NEVER solder to a brush holder while it is still pressed into the housing.
    Remove it ,the brush & spring. Solder your wire to the holder then reinstall it.
    Sorry you had to learn the hard way.
     
  3. woodone

    woodone TrainBoard Member

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    Try the evil bay- saw one listed for $45.00. List is $30.00 plus shipping of $7.00 . This one ships for free.
     
  4. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    I cannot help with motor issue you have, but the idea of a 'cold solder' is intriguing because there are some very tight spots where soldering with even the narrowest of hot soldering irons seems like a disaster waiting to happen.
    Has anyone used cold solder for installing DCC circuits on their N scale models? Is it as durable or strong as regular hot soldering???
     

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