How do you install a decoder in a Con-cor (Kato) 4-6-4- steam locomotive?

[Paradise275]

How do you install a decoder in a Concore (kato) 4-6-4- steam locomotive?

Rick

[nickelplate759]

It's a non-trivial install, but doable.    There isn't a drop-in decoder for it.
There's an article here which should help. 
http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dccconv/cc464.pdf

You can use a newer decoder than the DZ-121 that they mention.  I think I used a DZ-126.

[peteski]

Yeah, that first generation decoder is ancient, and out of production for years.  But as George mentioned, the current version is DZ-126. Any small wired decoder should work. Other brands of small wired decoders should also work.

[Paradise275]

Thanks for the info. Could you install a sound decoder in the tender?

Rick

[nickelplate759]

There is certainly room for a sound decoder in the tender, but I haven't tried doing it

[jdcolombo]

Yes, you can install a sound decoder in the Concor/Kato Hudson tender.   Along with a TCS KA-1 or KA-3 keep alive, which it will need.

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John C.

[jdcolombo]

The decoder is mostly hidden below the KA-3, but it is there.  An ESU LokSound Select; today you'd use a LokSound Nano or V5 micro wired to do this installation.  Either would fit fine, although you might have to play with the wiring location a bit.

The speaker is an 11x15 cell-phone type in a custom enclosure.

You can use the North Raleigh N-Trak article (linked above) for basic wiring instructions.

John C.

[Jimbo]

Yes, you can install a sound decoder in the Concor/Kato Hudson tender.   Along with a TCS KA-1 or KA-3 keep alive, which it will need.

Not sure why it would NEED a keep-alive, what with its multiple-wheel pickups.  I had an ESU LokPilot installed in each of my two Hudsons without any keep-alive, and they never have any issues.  (I do use live frogs, though.  AND if I had to do over again, I’d include a keep-alive anyway, because I’m a “belt and suspenders” kind of guy.)

Maybe it’s needed if you’re using sound decoders?

Jim

[jdcolombo]

Yes.  You need keep alives with all sound decoders to keep them from resetting due to momentary electrical dropouts that would go unnoticed with a motor-only decoder.  Sound decoders make far more serious demands on electrical pickup than non-sound decoders.

John C.

[peteski]

Jim, even with perfect N scale track-work, the keep-alive is those "suspenders" you mentioned.  N scale models are relatively lightweight (compared to larger scales), which means less positive contact with the even perfect track. Plus the dirt and grime which seems to appear even on well maintained track and wheels.  If there is enough room, KA is hightly recommended, especially with sound decoders.

[Jimbo]

Jim, even with perfect N scale track-work, the keep-alive is those "suspenders" you mentioned.  N scale models are relatively lightweight (compared to larger scales), which means less positive contact with the even perfect track. Plus the dirt and grime which seems to appear even on well maintained track and wheels.  If there is enough room, KA is hightly recommended, especially with sound decoders.

Yeah, I get it… my comment was really around “need” vs. “highly recommended.”  Totally agree with the latter for ANY DCC install, sound or otherwise.

And it sounds like, for locos equipped with sound decoders (of which I have a few) “need” might be more appropriate.  (Although my two MRC steamers - the 4-4-0 and the 2-6-0 - came sound-equipped but with NO keep-alive circuitry at all, and they really perform flawlessly.  Having said that, the XL Systems decoders that came with these models aren’t exactly state-of-the-art.  While replacing them isn’t currently a high priority, they eventually will be replaced - likely with ESU.  WITH some sort of keeper…)

Thanks for the comments.  “Sounds” like we all agree.   

Jim

PS:  my one-word review of XL Systems decoders:  DON’T.