Kato N Scale Ae8/8 DCC Conversion - Has anyone done this

[FrankM]

Hi All,

I have a N scale Kato Ae8/8 (Swiss model) about 5 years old that I would like to convert for DCC. A TCS Z2 decoder was originally recommended but the TCS Tech Support guys recommend an M1 decoder.

First, I would like to know if anyone has done this conversion and especially, how it was done. The second part "how" is particularly important as this loco is actually two separate articulated units joined by a plastic drive shaft. The lead unit has the motor as per normal. The following unit is basically the same but without motor. That is, it has the circuit board inside but all that happens there is the rear light that only comes on when heading in the reverse direction.

I am only in the early stages of converting my layout to DCC and as yet, do not have anything actually running. With the completion of the re-wiring in the next few days and the installation of a new NCE Power Pro system, I should be up and running and would really like to have this loco going soon. I don't really know where to start.

The Kato diagram is attached for reference.  Any advice would be most appreciated.

regards,
Frank

[CaptOblivious]

That looks nearly standard for a kato mechanism, but it is hard to tell if the circuit boards are of the usual design. Have a lkook at this thread on converting a Kato EH500, as the mechanisms look remarkably similar. If it is the usual lightboard, TCS has misinformed you: you will want a TCS K0D8 (although which variant will depend on the particulurs of your model). If it is not the usual lightboard, an M1 is your best bet (Z2s tend to die in N scale...that's the voice of experience!)

http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,3216.0.html

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Customer_Info/decoders%20compatibility%20list/Kato_N-Scale.html

[FrankM]

Thanks,

from the Model Rail Forum, I was given the following link which describes the installation of a decoder in detail in my loco.  Although in German, it does give the required info if run through Google translator.

http://www.haltiner-online.ch/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30&Itemid=36

All I need to know now is the most appropriate TCS decoder to use.

Frank

[CaptOblivious]

Those photos are helpful. The circuit boards do not look like the usual ones: http://www.katousa.com/images/928030.jpg

But it does look like a K0D8-D might fit. I can't say for certain without measurements and a test-fit, though. Otherwise the link you mention appears to be a good resource for your project. They are using a Lenz Gold-mini for the decoder, although the Silver-mini is the same size and less expensive. In which case the M1 may be too thick, depending on the amount of space between the circuit board and the top of the shell. A Digitrax DZ125 has approximately the same dimensions as the Lenz decoders, and might therefore be a good choice.