FL-12 Discovery of the Day

[nik_n_dad]

Was trying to install decoders (EM-13 & FL12) into a new train Nik got for Christmas (been waiting on decoders), and ran into problems with the cab cars.  It's a Kato ET425.  Unlike the EMUs, the motor car is in one of the cab cars, which makes for getting direction and correct lighting a bit more important.

1) It doesn't look like the FL-12s can be programmed on the main, although the EM-13 can

2) There doesn't seem to be a direction bit in the FL-12.  At least I couldn't seem to find it in the spotty documentation and changing it through the "config" option on the NCE DCC system didn't seem to do anything.

Of course since you can't read anything from the FL-12, it's hard to find out if anything happened when you (think you) programmed it.




We'll run it tonight when Niko gets back from ski racing practice.  But in a quick test, it looks to be a decent runner.

[Webskipper]

Its of the Kato Lemke designs so its going to be a high quality model and this one is a limited production collectible.

The FL12 directions are pretty clear in the photos which way in which car. It's not just inserting them opposite.

I'm surprised this one doesn't accept a 6 pin decoder like the other Lemke's.

[nik_n_dad]

The FL12 directions are pretty clear in the photos which way in which car. It's not just inserting them opposite.

I'm surprised this one doesn't accept a 6 pin decoder like the other Lemke's.

I might have had a bad decoder in there too.  One of them would light up the headlights in reverse, but nothing in forward mode.  And yes, this is (I'm pretty sure) the only European train we've had that didn't have a NEM651.

[Webskipper]

I had a bum FL12. Kato will replace it so pack it up and send it with a letter.

I always buy an extra decoder to have on hand at a show.

[CaptOblivious]

I don't know if the FL12 can be programmed on the main, but basically the only thing to configure is the address, which has to be programmed on the service track anyway. You control the directionality of the FL12 by the direction you insert it into the slot. There is no CV for configuring this, it's all based on physical orientation. Have a look at the photos here:
http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,951.0.html

You do know that I accept shots of scotch in exchange for installing EM13/FL12 decoders, right?

[nik_n_dad]

You do know that I accept shots of scotch in exchange for installing EM13/FL12 decoders, right?

No scotch in the pantry.  Just some Patron and some Crown.....

[CaptOblivious]

You do know that I accept shots of scotch in exchange for installing EM13/FL12 decoders, right?

No scotch in the pantry.  Just some Patron and some Crown.....

I'm not picky. :)

[kmcsjr]

Webskipper - r u there? Trying to glom onto a thread, that might be dead.
I opened my EM425s today. I bought the WM2011 and one of the regios. They are very nice. The WM2011 is a litlte noisier (more so in 1 direction) than the regio, but both are quieter than 113-2000 (10-807)

My question is, how do you like them, after runing them for a while? I looked at the drive (to see about the dang growl). It looks pretty weak. Is this the new Kato Lemke design?
It doen't need to pull like a big diesel, considering the size of the train, but it does need toull the emu and last a long time.

Also, did the lighting end up OK?

[Webskipper]

Your new train just needs to run some. You'll hear a different sound running different directions in every loco especially a lone lead loco.

Are you asking about the lighting on the TGVs?

See the thread for that. I did figure it all out plus some more cvs.