Installing a TCS DCC Decoder in an N Scale Kato SD70MAC

[@davebnsfnscale4433]

Absolutely agree that kato are the best,nearly bullet-proof,always reliable, extremely long lasting

[@DesignBuildExecute]

I have some pushing 15 years old at this point. With good care, still running strong. Thanks for watching!

[@crazytrain8290]

I agree with you 100% on TCS decoders. I converted all my N scale diesels to TCS, because they are reliable and easy to program especially speed matching .

[@andrewarmstrong7560]

Great tutorial! My anxiety about installing the decoders in my diesels has vastly decreased 😂

[@DesignBuildExecute]

Awesome! Good luck. You can do it!

[@Rustyrailhead]

What do you mean by decreased.

[@keithkamps77]

Thanks for the video but I do have to ask, what about the LED's?

[@johngaydos4000]

Very clear and concise instructions - Well done.

[@ke4nyv]

Thanks for watching!

[@christianbaker328]

Thank you, straightforward because of you instructions. Thanks!

[@frankmckay905]

Very informative. Thank you Jason.

[@willparsons32]

Awesome tutorial, thank you kindly!!

[@timpearson9870]

Great video and help, thanks Jason.... I purchased two K1D4's on the strength of this, shame they don't pay you bud... Upgrading mine this weekend coming!!

[@ke4nyv]

I am a TCS dealer through our company RPC Electronics, LLC. If you need anymore, please contact us and we can help you.

[@indiananotch8204]

Awsome job,helped me tremendously. Thanks

[@ke4nyv]

Great! Thanks for watching!

[@NitroStarGT]

What width kapton tape did you use? 1/4" or 1/2"

[@KevinElwood]

I took mine apart which already had DCC, and then put it back together. Now, the light will come on but it will not move. The only thing that seems different from your instruction is there is only a motor contact strip that goes under the DCC brass wings on one side. Is that how it is supposed to be or does there have to be two?

[@davidmc105]

If only they were all this easy!

[@marckeller9387]

Jason, thanks so much, very informative. Do these decoders run with an ECos 50210 would you know?

[@DesignBuildExecute]

I imagine they would, as long as the ECos adheres to the DCC standard.

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Great video I have the Union Pacific SP Heritage unit with the same decoder in it when I put the shell on it sounds like it’s shorting out I’ll take the shell off it runs fine put the shell back on the same problem sounds like it’s shorting out do you have any experience with anything like that please let me know thank you

[@ke4nyv]

I have seen this and in a case like this, add some thin tape like kapton to the frame to better insulate it from the underside of the decoder.

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

@@ke4nyv great thanks Jason

[@rolandlawrence2654]

Jason, I just finished watching your ditch light install. If you wanted to have the rear light, could you have used the light from the other decoder you removed? If not, how would or could you install a rear light? Thanks.

[@ke4nyv]

The TCS decoder I installed has a rear LED already on-board, so there was no need to add anything further to maintain a rear LED that would light up in reverse.

[@Rustyrailhead]

@@ke4nyv You made a good video here but the decoder you removed seemed to have a longer rear light bar bringing the light close to the shell in the back. The new decoder didn't look as close. Any less action form the new decoder.

[@mauricethorne5912]

Do I add Lok Sound to the tcs decoder or does it replace it? What is your opinion on the best way to add sound. Great video, thanks.

[@DesignBuildExecute]

You would replace whatever is in the loco now with the LokSound board. The LokSound is DCC and sound in a single board. At this moment, the LokSound select micro is probably the best N scale option. I have a couple of theme here to install.

[@si12volt1]

just getting back into the hobby after 20 yrs was wondering if the TCS DCC boards are able to work with Digitrax EVOX Evolution Advanced Starter Set or is Digitrax exclusive to Digitrax when i was into the hobby didn't have the DCC ADDONS so its all new to me

[@ke4nyv]

Absolutely! All TCS decoders are compositable with the DCC standard. I am a TCS dealer and would be happy to help you obtain all of the decoders you need. Feel free to email me at [e-mail]

[@davidgreenwood5209]

david greenwood 9 minutes ago Hi there everyone, I just purchased a new Kato ICE 4 train and Kato decoder for it. when I installed the plug and play type decoder I programmed it using the intellibox2, however when I run it, it runs unevenly like it surges in speed the slows off then surges again. I haven't installed the accessory decoders for the change direction red and white lights yet as I am awaiting delivery could it be that is part of problem, was just wondering if anyone out there has encountered a problem like this.

[@Wrathchildss]

What other types of tape can you use? Masking? I don’t have kapton tape and didn’t know I would need it. It said plug and play, it didn’t say plug and play with tape.

[@ke4nyv]

If I didn't have Kapton, I would use clear cellophane tape or something similar. Masking might be a little thick for the job.

[@tonykane8866]

Is there a plug and play sound card the plugs right in that new card . If so where would i look

[@ke4nyv]

This is not a sound decoder. Strictly motor and function control.

[@benkempf298]

will this method work on a kato sd70mac that was made in 2004 ?

[@ke4nyv]

I can't say for sure, but it's easy to open it up and look at the light board for comparison. I'm guessing it likely fits.

[@benchlebeck7634]

im very new to the technical aspect and I'm wondering on when I install the decoder how do I control it

[@ke4nyv]

You need a DCC command station/system. I always recommend the NCE PowerCab for getting started. Low cost entry, fully capable of running several locomotives at one time and when it comes time to expand you can easily add on. No need to re-buy everything like you have to with many other manufacturers.

[@ke4nyv]

You need a DCC command station/system. I always recommend the NCE PowerCab for getting started. Low cost entry, fully capable of running several locomotives at one time and when it comes time to expand you can easily add on. No need to re-buy everything like you have to with many other manufacturers.

[@Rustyrailhead]

I see that the decoder you installed has no light function. No back or forward lights. .I s that something we give up with this decoder install.

[@ke4nyv]

The decoder has SMT (surface mount) LED lights on both ends. You just can't see them easily in the video. Not giving anything up.

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Istalling the decoder to the Kato N scale BNSF SD70MAC . I gonna buy a Kato N scale BNSF SD70MAC , The Scooby Dum favorites engines . The Kato N scale BNSF SD70MAC is DC analoge .

[@davebnsfnscale4433]

Phosphor bronze motor contact tabs

[@davidgreenwood5209]

david greenwood 9 minutes ago Hi there everyone, I just purchased a new Kato ICE 4 train and Kato decoder for it. when I installed the plug and play type decoder I programmed it using the intellibox2, however when I run it, it runs unevenly like it surges in speed the slows off then surges again. I haven't installed the accessory decoders for the change direction red and white lights yet as I am awaiting delivery could it be that is part of problem, was just wondering if anyone out there has encountered a problem like this.