Digitrax decoder for Kato E unit (n scale)

[Southern1970]

Hi all,
Apologies if I’m asking a really dumb question.
Would the digitrax drop in decoder for a dcc ready Kato E8 unit, fit a dcc ready kato F7 unit if I shorten the LEDs?
From what I’ve found online both decoders look similar in size (except for the LED length).

Have found some at a really low price, so don’t mind modifying them if they’ll otherwise fit.
Cheers
Allan

[peteski]

Allan,
If you look at the list of Digitrax decoders compatible with Kato E8 and F7, if the shape of the decoder board is the same for both units (and the oily difference is the length of the LED leads, then I would say that shortening the LED leads on E-unit decoder will make it fit the F-unit.  I believe a version of DN163 decoder is used for both locos.

Probably also a good idea to look at (on the Digitrax website) the installation instructions for both types of decoders since they should have a photo of the decoder to further confirm compatibility.

[Southern1970]

Thanks Peteski, from what I can tell on the digitrax website they both look very similar.
I think I’ll get them, and shorten the LEDs.
Cheers

[MK]

Take a look at TCS' website.  They have really detailed installation pictures.  You can then use your Digitrax decoder once you determine you can use it on either.

[Southern1970]

Thanks MK.  I think comparing both of the TCS decoders, is what got me thinking about trying to fit the E8 decoder into an F7.
Cheers