Which Decoder ??

[eja]

Can anyone tell me what NCE decoder to use in my Kato F40PH ?  It is the latest mode equipped with ditch lights.

If you have one installed and comments or issues would be appreciated too.


Thanks

[mu26aeh]

NCE says N12K0

https://www.ncedcc.com/decoder-selector-tool

[MK]

Must it be NCE?  I was going to get a Digitrax decoder for my Polar Express but I saw Kato recommended TCS.  I know Kato has a relationship with TCS with their Kobo shop but I checked it out anyway.  Even though TCS is $10 more than Digitrax, it turns out TCS' version have top and bottom mounted LEDs at the front of the decoder.  When you switch to reverse when running cab forward, the white headlights go off and the red tail lights come on.  I think TCS has the only decoder that does this for this model.

[eja]

No it doesn't have to be NCE.  I have an NCE PowerCab and was thinking about trying one of there decoders. They seem to have a better guarantee than Digitrax.  This started because I knew about the N12K0 but there are a and b versions on the NCS website and neither description says anything about the F40PH

Thanks for the TCS info regarding the lights.

[nickelplate759]

I hadn't looked at NCE decoders (I have some Digitrax and some TCS).  They seem to be priced well.  From looking at their web site, it looks like the "drop-in" decoders are 2-function only, although it isn't particularly clear to me.  Can someone confirm this for me?

The  "wire-in" decoders are definitely 4 function.

[Ike the BN Freak]

Must it be NCE?  I was going to get a Digitrax decoder for my Polar Express but I saw Kato recommended TCS.  I know Kato has a relationship with TCS with their Kobo shop but I checked it out anyway.  Even though TCS is $10 more than Digitrax, it turns out TCS' version have top and bottom mounted LEDs at the front of the decoder.  When you switch to reverse when running cab forward, the white headlights go off and the red tail lights come on.  I think TCS has the only decoder that does this for this model.

Kato recommends the TCS for the Metra units because the TCS has the red LED to light up the marker lights when in push mode. Digitrax and NCE do not.

If the OP is putting it into an Amtrak unit with ditchlights, the ditchlights use the headlight LED to power them, so either NCE or Digitrax will work

[eja]

OK  ....so,

Kato recommends a K0D8 for the Amtrak version and a K5D7 for the METRA version - the latter because it will illuminate the red marker light when running in reverse.

Will the K5D7 do the same if installed in an Amtrak version ???


Thanks again for the help.....

 

[Ike the BN Freak]

Pretty sure the red will, unless you turn that CV off.

[eja]

Finally found a definitive answer....

A YouTube video shows that the Metra F40PH has two additional marker lights on the front that are not present on the Amtrak shell. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRzQTOIMPmE


So there is, obviously,  no reason to try to light something that isn't there.