Kato GS4 DCC Sound Drop-in Decoder install

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

A recent message shed some light on what GS4 will work with the install. It turns out that kato did produce some pre 2017 models in SP black and SP lines paint. They are not dcc compatible. Instead look at this list here to figure out what variant you have. Make sure your unit is a 2017 or newer model please!!!! -Jay katousa.com/n-gs-4-past-models/

[@chrischisolm6697]

I have both a first run Daylight GS-4 as well as an American Freedom Trains factory painted version. I guess this won't work for me... :(

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

@@chrischisolm6697 I’m so sorry! Only way for you to dcc your daylight is to do the dcc rework of the rear drivers and then hardwire a decoder. Good luck, and happy railroading!

[@sebastianlinares9810]

My model is 4454 so ig mines won’t work 😭😢💀

[@mikeh2412]

Would not have thought that kind of sound was achievable in N Scale. Well done.

[@LTSpenny]

Just did this install with your video. Appreciate it and so happy!🎉

[@mpmy97]

Thank you for taking the time to go through this install, and especially what you used. I'm going to attempt the install myself.

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

No problem! I wish you the best with your install!

[@Gr3mlyn88]

Pre-2017 models work as well as long as they have had the drivers fixed. Mine is a revised older model and I have a KATO drop in DCC decoder that looks identical to the ESU. Great video non the less!

[@FatboyinPa]

Thanks for sharing this video, very very informative! Is the Kato FEF installation the same way?

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

Thank you!!! The Kato FEF and GS4 have different drop in decoders and a different process to add Dcc. Although the methods are similar, they are not exactly the same. Here is a link to a tutorial on how to install Dcc sound in a FEF: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYaVdK2jjp2cg5Yfeature=shared Thanks for watching and happy railroading!

[@dimebagshane]

Is it possible to buy a dcc and sound complete setup? Is the decoder and speaker only available separate? Is there a alternative that is?

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

I believe some retailers may sell it with a speaker. However, it will not come with any sound files installed. I purchased this version because the seller (Tony’s trains) installed the Gs4 sound files on the decoder. His decoders do not come with speakers. If you have a Loksound programmer then you can buy a blank decoder with a speaker and add them yourself. Otherwise you’re stuck with having to buy the decoder and speaker separately. Hope this helps!

[@davec8401]

Great video! Does that decoder come with the speaker wires already attached?

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

No. As mentioned I had to purchase a separate sugar cube speaker and solder it to the decoder. It’s quite simple to do and it is the only thing needed in the instal that needs soldering. The speaker came with the wire attached. Just had to attach the wires to the decoder.

[@RichRolph-ro7ep]

Hello, From where did you get the sound files that you’ve used on the GS4?

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

SO737 - lokSound 5 dcc If you go to this link it should be the first thing to pop up: projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?cat=18&q=gs+4

[@29grampian]

I am completely new. What type of controller is needed?

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

You will need a dcc controller system. I suggest a NCE powercab starter set. For more info on dcc I suggest watching this video by TSG. It is very informative of the differences between dc and dcc control. Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raKwe6SIprSobKc

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Fantastic install thanks 🙏 very helpful

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

Hi, I’m back again with a new locomotive with the same decoder installed, but mine shows short circuit on my NCE system. Everything is hooked up, right

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

@seanpacificrailroad3700 check the frame of the gs4 loco motive with a multi-meter. Sometimes a small casting remnants on the bottom of the frame will make the two sides touch causing a short. If that is the case, take the loco apart and sand the frame to remove the remnants. Then put it back together and test it again.

[@jackreed8141]

What sound file did you use?? Thanks

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

SO737 - lokSound 5 dcc If you go to this link it should be the first thing to pop up: projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?cat=18&q=gs+4

[@jamesdenny4734]

Why is it called a "sugar cube" when it's actually a rectangle? 🤔 hmmm!

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

True! However, the speaker is called a "sugarcube" due to its size. It is as small as a cube of sugar.