Installing a sound decoder in a Kato SD40-2

Thank you. I love this engine now. The sound is incredible and so is the motor control.

 

Just a question...... This is one of my favorite locos and I have tried and given up on sound and use a sound car now. It seems like the smaller setups don't have the caps to keep the system running on DCC. How does this setup work and does it run flawlessly or is it temperamental? I would love to add sound to one of my locos like this but it is a lot of work for sound if it doesn't work out. I have a Digitrax sound decoder in a Kato Sd80mac and it cuts out all the time and yes I have cleaned and polished and done all possible to keep power delivery as best as possible

 

I used to have a Digitrax sound decoder in my SD40, and it cut out all the time too. Digitrax sucks. I swore them off forever.

Instead of using the typical supplied round 330uF capacitor, I order about 20 of 22ouF micro capacitors from Digikey. I installed five of them in my SD40-2 in the rear, and I have not had a problem with the sound cutting out at all. It's still roughly 160 times less than the TCS Keep Alive, but everything fits inside the locomotive. I love it, and will be replacing the MRC sound decoders I have with ESU LokSound decoders in the future.

 

Oh that's exactly what I was wondering...... And apparently you completely understand my concerns. I will be making one in the future then.

 

Wow nice work you two. I'll be giving an install a go here before long.

 

A couple more questions if you don't mind....... Did you get the "select" or the v4.0 decoder? I can't remember the difference between the two but I use the select in my sound cars and love them.

You said you used a sugar cube speaker..... Which size and how much material did you need to cut from the frame?

Any details on the ditch lights? I would love to add those to mine as well but don't know where to start.

Thanks

 

I used the ESU LokSound Select Micro DCC sound decoder. It's cheaper and had everything that I was looking for. I used an 8mm by 12mm sugar cube speaker. I could have used two, but I heard one and it was plenty loud for me. The sugar cube speaker is in the back, and behind the speaker are five 227 uF capacitors wired in series.

As for the ditch lights, I did not add independent control of them. I just added a super bright LED to the front light and everything lights up nice and bright.

 

Thanks....... I will get with Bryan and order some parts.

 

Apparently I don't have the same body....... My shell doesn't have ditch lights on it.