I currently have a Digitrax DCC decoder installed in the boiler of this fine running locomotive. However, I recently got a LokSound Select Micro DCC sound decoder for it, but I have not had luck with this locomotive and installing the decoder. I’ve hard-wired installed numerous decoders before, but this one eludes me because of running all the wires to the tender. I think I might pay Streamlined Backshop Services $50 to install this for me, as I think it would be well worth the money. Thoughts?
Do you have references of previous work done? Who will do the job? Will it be the shop owner or a minnimum wage high schooler with no experience? I have seen the work of some so called profesionals and it was not very good at all.
I don’t know what could be tripping you up on this simple decoder? I have been using these for tender connectors.
I glue and fasten using a brass shim screwed to the tender floor the socket of the connector. You can see the wiring here. http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j348/locoi1sa/K5s%205698%20project/SAM_0564_zps099157ec.jpg
Pete
Maybe?
What’s the big deal about running wires to the tender? So there are 5 or 6 instead of 2. Actually, if the decoder fits up in the boiler, you might only have 4 wires (if the tender picks up on both sides) - 2 for the rail pickups fromt he tender, and 2 going back to the speaker.
TCS has 6 pin connectors to use for this sort of thing, so you can seperate the loco and tender:
http://tcsdcc.com/public_html/Zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=320
–Randy
Guys, he is talking n scale… I would be surprised if the install fee is only 50 for this loco. The Kato Mike is one the most difficult install out there and usually demands a premium. David B
Yes, I wouldn’t touch that install with a 10 foot pole… those are seriously tight…
$50.00 would be a steal! First off to do this right you will have to remove the boiler and the decoder that is in the loco.
Wonder if the weight is still around.
A few years back, I paid $35 to have a LokSound decoder installed in an HO-scale S1 switcher. I had already installed a non-sound decoder myself, and there was very little space for that.
I’ve done all my other decoder installations, but for this one, letting someone else do it was worth the price.
I have seen this, and that’s what prompted me to try this. Like I said, I’ve done dozens of hard-wire installs, but this one is actually pretty tough. Maybe it’s running wires to the tender that’s the hard part. Maybe I need to commit fully and uninstall the Digitrax decoder in the boiler and replace it with the LokSound decoder. The problem with that is that I would need wires for the capacitor, the speaker wires, and the tender pickup wires: 6 total. I’m going to try to take apart a solenoid to get the magnet wire to tackle this.
The vendor was Streamlined Backshop Services, who advertises their services on eBay.
Total price was a little about $55.
Yeah, I’m kind of realizing that now. I might attempt this soon, or I’ll just save up, get another Mike (Model POwer or Kato) at the Jacksonville Train show in February, and try this on the new Mike.
I have a Select Micro tucked inside the fire box of my brass 0-6-0. There is no capaciter on the decoder and I don’t see how you can add one. The only 2 wires to the tender are the speaker wires. Even though it picks up track power on one side of the loco and one side of the tender through the draw bar it does not lose power over frogs and such. Your N scale loco may need more pickups or a keep alive system though.
I would not use magnet wire for tender harness. It is not coated enough and will short and break in no time. ESU has 36g wire that is really flexible and easy to work with. http://www.traintekllc.com/Wire/products/99/
Pete
Caps can be added by following the directions in the manual. David B
Loksound Selects don’t come with capacitors, however they do have connections to add them, even the Micro. See Page 17 of the manual.
–Randy
I’ve done an N scale Mikado and would happily pay some one $50 to not do another.
Martin Myers
I have done about 50 or 60 of these. I do use the Tsunami TSU-750 decoder and a 14X25 MM speaker, all mounted in the tender. I also use two 100 Uf capacitors. Better stay away from the magnet wire, it is too stiff to be used as a harness and will break after a few times flexing it. Get some North West Short Line super flex wire. I run 5 wires between the loco and the tender. Two for the motor, two more for the rail pickups and one for the control of the headlight. While inside I also upgrade the headlight LED for a better looking light.
So, hmmmm. Would you charge the same rate to install this decoder in my Mikado for me Woodone? 
I will PM you on this.
Wow, soliciting on these forums is forbidden, no? Heck, I’d offer my services to others if it were for the fact the rules say “no”.
I already have a non-sound decoder in the boiler. I’m talking about a sound decoder. I might have to replace the Digitrax decoder in the boiler with the ESU LokSound and run the cap wires and the speaker wires to the tender.
I asked for someone to do it, but have declined. I will try this myself.