Author Topic: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install  (Read 1723 times)

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nightmare0331

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Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« on: December 17, 2022, 03:39:56 PM »
+7
Hey All

Here's a quick video I slapped together of installing an ESU LokSound 58741 V5 'Kato USA' board in the new ALC42 'Charger' locomotive.


Anywhoo...I figured since only a few are in the country and some of you have these ordered, well, here's how to do it.

Enjoy!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

simsuper80

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2022, 01:07:45 AM »
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Will you be able to do something similar with the bachmann ones?

I'm also wondering if you happen to know anything regarding the release of those units.

nightmare0331

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2022, 09:28:45 PM »
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Will you be able to do something similar with the bachmann ones?

I'm also wondering if you happen to know anything regarding the release of those units.

I have no insight on Bachmann stuff.

Nothing against them...I just don't follow their product line nor offer any advice or support for it.

Sorry!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

kscessandriver

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2023, 11:53:30 AM »
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Will you be able to do something similar with the bachmann ones?

I'm also wondering if you happen to know anything regarding the release of those units.

Not sure why you'd want to rip the TCS WowSound out of it, it functions great out of the box.

Thanks for posting this ALC-42 ESU set up. I just got mine and was looking to see what my options were, especially with the interior light (if the Kato 11-211 would work with DCC or no).

nightmare0331

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2023, 11:50:59 PM »
+6
and now an updated video featuring a cleaner updated install, along with seperate ditchlights and front red marker lights....


Anywhoo...I hope this helps anyone out who wants to install sound in one of these.

Enjoy!

Kelley.

trainforfun

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2023, 03:23:11 PM »
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and now an updated video featuring a cleaner updated install, along with seperate ditchlights and front red marker lights....


Anywhoo...I hope this helps anyone out who wants to install sound in one of these.

Enjoy!

Kelley.

Nice install !

Did you had a motor sound similar to the real one to pick up from ?
Thanks ,
Louis



MetroRedLine

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2023, 08:19:13 PM »
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Do you happen to know the exact dimensions of the fuel tank speaker receptacle? I couldn't find this info anywhere.
Under the streets of Los Angeles

cgw

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #7 on: March 05, 2023, 07:43:46 PM »
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don't you need current limiting resistors for the led's that you added ?  I did not see any listed or viewed any in the video

TW877

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Re: Kato ALC42 ESU LokSound install
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2023, 03:14:37 PM »
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don't you need current limiting resistors for the led's that you added ?  I did not see any listed or viewed any in the video

As far as I could see in his video, he used the AUX 1 U+ pad for all his LEDs. AUX 1 and AUX 2 - at either end of the board - are already set up with resistors for direct use with LEDs. If you use the U+ pad next to the three other AUX pads (3,4,5) on the rear side of the board you will need a resistor, as this pad delivers full voltage. Unfortunately the ESU documentation is a little weak on that issue.

BTW, thanks for that idea, Kelley. Never thought of using one of the two voltage limited pads for all my LEDs, up to now I did install resistors. Once in a while one tends to skip the easy solutions...


Otherwise, I do have to get rid of a little bit of rant about this model. It starts with that flimsy thin frame you have to bend out of the way to release the shell and that will never really close gap-free after putting the shell back on. Also, why force-fit a narrow frame decoder design into a wide body loco? A proper board with a Next18 plug on it and all LEDs for the light functions lining up with the light tubes would have been what I would consider a present day design. Unfortunately Kato has missed quite a few opportunities on this model...

Chris