Kato Big Boy Decoder

[spookshow]

Does anybody know what brand of decoder Kato has installed in the non-sound Big Boys? Their website doesn't say.

Thanks!
-Mark

[peteski]

I thought Kato now uses Throttle-Up's Soundtraxx Tsunamis (for some reason they switched away from ESU LokSound and LokPilot).
If you can read out CV8, that should show you the manufacturer.

Here's the secret decoder ring:  https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/appendix_a_s-9_2_2_5.pdf

[spookshow]

I'm talking about the non-sound version (which I do not have).

-Mark

[peteski]

I'm talking about the non-sound version (which I do not have).

-Mark

Ah, my reading-comprehension is lacking again. I'm starting to worry. 

[tpwillie]

Mark,
The non sound DCC version has not released yet. Due out soon, but I don't have the firm date.
John (tpwillie)

[peteski]

If Throttle-Up makes non sound decoders, it will probably be used. If not, I'll hedge my bets on plain old Digitrax.  I'll be surprised if it ends up being TCS or ESU.

[spookshow]

Thanks John, I didn't realize that only the sound-equipped models had come out in this recent batch. Considering how far the DCC models are behind the analog release I guess they must still be desperately looking for decoder installers over there Schaumburg way.

https://katousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Hiring-Qualifications-for-DCC-installation-1.pdf

-Mark

[peteski]

Thanks John, I didn't realize that only the sound-equipped models had come out in this recent batch. Considering how far the DCC models are behind the analog release I guess they must still be desperately looking for decoder installers over there Schaumburg way.

https://katousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Hiring-Qualifications-for-DCC-installation-1.pdf

-Mark

I thought the Big Boy decoder installs were done in Japan.  Kato is certainly feeling the pain after Kelley D. left.

[Jbub]

I thought the Big Boy decoder installs were done in Japan.  Kato is certainly feeling the pain after Kelley D. left.

This is what I thought as well. Kato USA had done an interview with Trainworld and they stated the Big Boy was to be the first "factory equipped" dcc locomotive.

[spookshow]

If it's the factory that's doing these installs, color me underwhelmed 



-Mark

[carlso]

IF that is a "factory install"  my guess is KATO is underwhelmed too.

[peteski]

IF that is a "factory install"  my guess is KATO is underwhelmed too.

Yes, that is a monster-kludge!  Yuck!  Most of us here would do a better job.  But I guess in Kato's defense, if since those are cobbled up from individual off-the-shelf parts, and some poor schmuck has to do dozens or hundreds installs, it is not surprising they look like that.

I was under the impression that these would be very neat and clean installs done by some very fastidious Japanese installers. I thought he would have produced some sort of a motherboard PC-board to cleanly connect all the components, not this haphazard collection of parts and a rats-nest of wires.

[Dwight in Toronto]

Oh man, that “factory” install looks obscenely bad.  I’m SO thankful that I held off ordering one.
If they all look like that, it will be a sad, dark stain on Kato’s reputation.  Unacceptable.

[Sokramiketes]

Ugh.  I'm glad I didn't open mine.  I should have ordered a Loksound one from Kelley. 

[spookshow]

It's like sausage - ignorance of the inner workings is bliss 

-Mark