Function Only Decoders

[gkoproske]

There used to be a great product, the Lenz LF101XF function only decoder.  It is best used for Japanese express trains like those in N scale from Kato.  These trains have the motor in a car in the middle of the consist.  The head and tail cars have dual LEDs dependent on polarity, switching from white headlight to red taillight at each end.  When on DCC, both the white and red light up.  This Lenz decoder fixes that problem quite elegantly.  Sold out everywhere, and I find no hits on an internet search for a replacement product.  Anyone know of who else might make a product like this?  The Digitrax and TCS function decoders don't do what this Lenz did. 

[peteski]

I have used both Digitrax and TCS function-only decoders. What specific functionality does the Lenz one have that is lacking in the other ones?

Like you, in most cases I use them in Mutli-unit push-pull trains where either one or both end units are dummy.  I use them for headlight control. Or in another instance I use it to control headlights in a dummy locomotive which houses a miniature camera.  They provide the headlight and EOT lights functionality.

[jagged ben]

I do not know if it's compatible with non-North American models, but the FL12, as seen on this page, does exactly what you have in mind.

It is made by Digitrax for Kato and is a little baffling because it is only available as a Kato part and cannot be found on Digitrax website.  But you have the link above.

I would contact Kato by voice or e-mail to ask them if this decoder is the right one for your specific model.

[peteski]

I do not know if it's compatible with non-North American models, but the FL12, as seen on this page, does exactly what you have in mind.

It is made by Digitrax for Kato and is a little baffling because it is only available as a Kato part and cannot be found on Digitrax website.  But you have the link above.

That lead-less and connector-less decoder is specifically designed to plug into a slot in Kato models. It is not designed to fit into any other models. Digitrax seems to be subcontracted to make that custom decoder for Kato and like you mention it is only solf By Kato. It is their decoder after all.

The Digitrax and TCS function-only decoders have regular leads attached.

[jagged ben]

He did seem to be asking about Kato models.  I don't know for a fact but I presume that newer Japanese prototype models would have a similar feature.

[RBrodzinsky]

There is also the ESU LokPilot Fx function only decoder.  But, I am not sure why the Digitrax or TCS function decoders wouldn't work. They will do this perfectly with the correct CV settings

[peteski]

He did seem to be asking about Kato models.  I don't know for a fact but I presume that newer Japanese prototype models would have a similar feature.

But that specific Lenz decoder he likes to use, but is unable to find, is nothing like the plug-n-play Kato decoders.  It is a standard wired decoder.  The only thing I see different is that it has 6 functions (where the Digitrax and TCS have fewer).  But for headlights/EOT only 2 functions are needed (which all the function-only decoders are capable of).

[RBrodzinsky]

I have the FL12 installed in my Kato cab cars (CalTrain bi-levels), and they do switch the lights correctly, but without knowing the specific cars that need to be controlled, unclear whether it will work or not.

[carlso]

Rick,

I too have been wanting to add lights to my Athearn New Mexico Railrunner cab car. Do you just wire in the decoder with the proper resistors and LED's and then set the address of the decoder to match the decoder in the locomotive? Actually I do not know if the Athearn car has any power pickup built in or not, but I suppose there would be a solution for that if not.

[RBrodzinsky]

Carl,

Yes, on my Caltrain cars, I just programmed the Kato FL2s to the same address as the Loco, and remapped the functions (in this case to F3 for one car; F5 to the other -- there is a method to which function key , based on the car number's last digit).  I don't know if the Athearn cars have power pickup truks, but that can be worked around.

[jagged ben]

The Athearn cars do not have power pickup, and that is the main reason I have not gotten around to that project yet.      It is made harder by the fact that the Bombardier passenger axles have inside bearings.

Here is my thinking for that project, none if it yet tried or executed:
- Try to order a couple extra trucks from Athearn so as to be able to make some mistakes.
- Drill out the axle cups from brass truck pickups for either Kato passenger trucks or Atlas 4-axle locomotives, whatever ends up fitting best.
- Stick the Athearn axles thru the drilled out and filed flat pickups.
- Modify the Athearn trucks as needed to accept the new bearings/pickups.
- Hope that the resulting bearing friction of the brass on axles is the same or less than the factory trucks.
- Hope that it's an adequate pickup solution.  Probably add a capacitor somewhere.
 

[peteski]

You could try replacing the Athearn trucks with Kato Amfleet trucks. Those roll better and pickup power.

If you prefer the looks of Athearn trucks an easier solution might be to make whiskers from 0.008 Phosphor Bronze wire and have them rub the axles on each wheelset.  Since the contact point will be on the axle (not rubbing the wheel back or wheel tread) that will minimize the extra friction.