What's the best way to remove a light from a decoder?

[gbcaboose]

I'm installing a TCS K0D8-A into a Kato E8A. The correct decoder should be a TCS K0D8-E, the difference being the one I have (-A) has a rear light. The rear light keeps the shell from snugging down all [ Guests cannot view attachments ] the way. I'd like to remove it but I don't want to damage the decoder. Is it OK to just clip the light off? Should I de-solder it from the board? Or, Is my only hope getting the correct decoder with no rear light? The pic shows the light I need to remove.

Thanks,

Mike

[nickelplate759]

That's what I did - just clipped it off.  Do it right at the edge of the board so there isn't wire sticking out to short.  Probably wrap the clipped contacts (not the whole board) with a bit Kapton tape just to be safe.

You could unsolder it, but I don't think it's worth the trouble.

[gbcaboose]

Thanks George! I was hoping that would be the case.

Mike

[MK]

I would unsolder it.  Makes for a neater end result.  BUT, if your soldering skills are mediocre and you don't trust yourself, the clip method above will do fine.

[Billg]

You might want to try taking a Dremel with a stone wheel on it and "shave" the led down.  You'd be surprised how thin you can get them without any damage!

Bill

[Lemosteam]

You might want to try taking a Dremel with a stone wheel on it and "shave" the led down.  You'd be surprised how thin you can get them without any damage!

Bill

^^^^This- if you need the LED.  Just use the side of a cutoff wheel while visually focusing on not contacting the components inside the clear housing.

[glakedylan]

yes, as a noted above ^^^^^
also, could use said method to make a place in the weight underneath it
for it to fit in (depending how much you want the light to be functional)
a mix of both would lessen the height of the LED requiring less to be
removed from the weight


hope it all works out well for you


Gary