MRC Sound Decoder for Kato SD80

[darkcurves]

I was going through MRC's website and found this:
MRC - DC POWER Series - N DROP-IN: KATO SD80, Item: 0001808, TRAIN CONTROLS/DC POWER


Very interesting for me but just wondering, can i fit it in my SD90/43MAC? I would be surprised if this sound decoder was designed specifically for SD80. ops:

 

[UP SD40-2]

darkcurves, i am NOT in N scale(anymore:119: ), but i am familiar with what those engines look like, personally, i don't see why that decoder wouldn't work in a SD90/43MAC:winki: , at the worst i am sure a minor adjustment in placing the decoder would be all that is needed.

perhaps an N scaler would know a little more on this.

-Deano

 

[darkcurves]

True also, Deano. I compared my Sd90 with the photo at MRC's website, everything is identical! Shoudn't be a problem, i guess. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Biased turkey]

Thanks for the link to MRC website darkcurves.
My layout is so small that I can't afford to run 6 axles engines.
I don't want to hijack the thread , but I noticed on MRC website that they have an ( almost ) dropin decoder for 4 axles engines , mostly Atlas GPs:
MRC - DCC Series - N GAUGE DROP-IN DECODER WITHOUT SOUND: ATLAS GP & OTHERS, Item: 0001641, TRAIN CONTROLS/DCC
I'd better start my own thread about GPs decoder.
Thanks for the link again.

Jacques

 

[darkcurves]

No problem Jacques, i dont mind at all. I've noticed the sound decoders for Atlas. Is it really a snap in or with a little mod? They look very generic unless Atlas uses generic board in all their locos.

 

[Biased turkey]

No problem Jacques, i dont mind at all. I've noticed the sound decoders for Atlas. Is it really a snap in or with a little mod? They look very generic unless Atlas uses generic board in all their locos.

I went through the 01636 "diesel sound decoder" installation sheet but it is scary at least.
I can see horrifying words such as "challenge" and " frame milling" lol

Jacques

 

[darkcurves]

" frame milling"

That is the word i fear most. :mrgreen:

 

[ScratchyAngel]

Jacques, Aztec Manufacturing makes milled frames for the MRC 1636 for some Atlas and Kato frames.

 

[darkcurves]

This is kinda funny, i emailed MRC and got this reply:

Hi, can this decoder be fitted in Kato SD90/43MAC? They are identical chassis but your website only states SD80. Thanks. Jason

MRC - DC POWER Series - N DROP-IN: KATO SD80, Item: 0001808, TRAIN CONTROLS/DC POWER

The reply:

we only tried them in the sd40 i could not be sure if they would fit in an sd80

I think they must have confused the link with some other link on their browser. :mrgreen:

 

[darkcurves]

Got another reply from MRC:

a bit bleary eyed this morning
when we make a decoder for a specific [kato] loco we are not certain that it wil fit in others, unless we purchase a handful and check
kato does not supply us with info on what locos share identical chassis, only atlas has done this in the past
if the chassis are identical, [hook up, oem board, length, etc], the only area to check would be internally inside the body shell between the two locos

Well, fair enough, i am not perfect myself. Looks like it is possible to install the sound decoder in SD90. Has anyone got SD80 and SD90? Is space inside on the end similar for both?

 

[darkcurves]

I went ahead and bought the sound decoder. Here is my video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uew_BWJmGBU

 

[TrainNut]

Beautiful! I just installed one of those in an F3 A unit and I couldn't be any happier with it.

 

[UP SD40-2]

Congrats to BOTH of you!:thumb:

you hear a lot of flack about MRC sound decoders:roller: ,though i think its mostly on the HO ones, i have installed over 30 HO MRC sound decoders, and am happy with them:thumb: .

REAL GLAD the N scale ones worked out and you guys like yours:thumb::mrgreen: .

 

[darkcurves]

Yeah, the experience is so much different with a sound equipped loco on the layout.

 

[UP SD40-2]

Yeah, the experience is so much different with a sound equipped loco on the layout.

I TOTALLY AGREE:thumb: . I'm a big advocate of sound, to some its just a novelty, and thats fine, its not for everyone, but for me it brought my whole MRR experience up about 100 notches. if you run the sounds prototypically, use the horn when you should, the bell, coupler crash etc., it really adds a lot:winki: .

 

[nolatron]

Thanks for video. I've had these decoders on my wish list for a while now and hope to buy one or two in the coming months to play with.

 

[darkcurves]

Thanks for video. I've had these decoders on my wish list for a while now and hope to buy one or two in the coming months to play with.

You're welcome. :mrgreen:

It's getting abit addictive now. First thing in the morning, before anything else, i turn on my DCC to listen to the engine rumbling.

 

[Packers#1]

They also have one for their SD40-2. Sounds like the sD40-2 just won a place on my projected roster.