Kato N scale Big Boy ESU LokSound install

[nightmare0331]

Hey all

It's been a while since I've added to the 'poorly shot, horribly narrated and terribly edited' series of videos for your amusement. Welp...here's a big...boy one for you.

This is a brief (well, long) overview of how I installed ESU LokSound in a Kato N scale Big Boy.

Parts used were:
126-4014 Kato Big boy
2 pcs 11x17 ESU sugar cube speakers
58420 ESU V5 full sized decoder programmed to S0516 'big boy' file
scrap and misc wire and LED's, heat shrink tubing

While most of this may be useful, it's not really meant to be a step by step tutorial, however, it will walk you through how *I* did the install.

Anywhoo...Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[peteski]

Nice!
Yes, this model is a bear to DCC.  The weirdest N scale steam loco design I have ever worked with. When I finally get back to mine, I'll be addressing things a bit differently.  Mine still sits in 100 pieces in various spots of my workbench.   

[Dwight in Toronto]

To hear Kelley refer to a model as “this pig”, with a selection of (off)colour commentary, well, that should raise cautionary red flags for less experienced would-be upgraders!

Interesting video - had me ‘LOL-ing’ at times - thanks for sharing!

[nightmare0331]

To hear Kelley refer to a model as “this pig”, with a selection of (off)colour commentary, well, that should raise cautionary red flags for less experienced would-be upgraders!

Interesting video - had me ‘LOL-ing’ at times - thanks for sharing!

I'm glad you found it entertaining!

After some reflection and thinking things through (and probably a bit too much vodka) I ordered 3 more Big Boys to see if I can streamline the process of installing LokSound in.

The owner of the one in the video seems pretty pleased with it so I figured I'd knock out a few more. 

Worst case scenario, I have some expensive paper weights.  That said, with the Soundtraxx units being delayed until at least January, I have a feeling I'll beat them to the punch and have zero problems moving a handful of ESU installed units.

I guess I'm just a sucker for punishment. 

Enjoy!

Kelley.

[Tjack757]

Hey all

It's been a while since I've added to the 'poorly shot, horribly narrated and terribly edited' series of videos for your amusement. Welp...here's a big...boy one for you.

This is a brief (well, long) overview of how I installed ESU LokSound in a Kato N scale Big Boy.

Parts used were:
126-4014 Kato Big boy
2 pcs 11x17 ESU sugar cube speakers
58420 ESU V5 full sized decoder programmed to S0516 'big boy' file
scrap and misc wire and LED's, heat shrink tubing

While most of this may be useful, it's not really meant to be a step by step tutorial, however, it will walk you through how *I* did the install.

Anywhoo...Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

I have my Kato Big Boy almost completely torn down.
I have the following items on the way:
ESU DCC Decoder 58420 LokSound V5
ESU DCC Speaker Set 50340 Dual
I still need to manufacture a small CCA to mount in the slots at back of the frame for a connector.
I also need to manufacture a small CCA for the rear light.
What gage wire are you running from the motors to the decoder?
I was going to go with 28awg which has 1 amp operating capacity.

I loved your commentary throughout the video.

[peteski]

What is CCA?  That is a new term for this old electronics head.

[nscaler711]

What is CCA?  That is a new term for this old electronics head.

Cold Cranking Amps. 

[Tjack757]

What is CCA?  That is a new term for this old electronics head.

Military lingo I guess

CCA - Circuit card Assembly
EM - Electronics Module
PWB - Printed Wiring Board

[peteski]

Military lingo I guess

CCA - Circuit card Assembly
EM - Electronics Module
PWB - Printed Wiring Board

Thanks!
In my electronics experience on a professional and hobby levels, I have not heard of any of the above acronyms.  We use PCB (Printed Circuit Board), or "PC Board". No military experience.

Nscaler711 I am familiar with Cold Cranking Amps (as specified for led-acid batteries), but I did not think it applied to the N scale Big Boy.    

[reinhardtjh]

What is CCA?  That is a new term for this old electronics head.

In house wiring (and audio) circles CCA is also Copper Clad Aluminum

[peteski]

In house wiring (and audio) circles CCA is also Copper Clad Aluminum

Ah, that cheap stuff that is a pain to work with.  While I'm familiar with basic wiring principles (and can do it myself), my main electronic experience was troubleshooting and reworking various (civilian) computer PC boards, so terminology related to those is what I'm most familiar with.

[reinhardtjh]

Ah, that cheap stuff that is a pain to work with.  While I'm familiar with basic wiring principles (and can do it myself), my main electronic experience was troubleshooting and reworking various (civilian) computer PC boards, so terminology related to those is what I'm most familiar with.

Yep.  And somewhat unsafe if you don't secure it properly - at least in house wiring.

[Dwight in Toronto]

Any particular advantage to using a “full size” 58420 decoder, instead of, say, a micro, or nano, or even a 58731 for that matter? 

Is the larger decoder required for powering the two motors (ie - necessary, or nice-to-have?). 

The smaller decoders would, of course, be an effortless fit in that cavernous tender.  Just curious.

[peteski]

Is the larger decoder required for powering the two motors (ie - necessary, or nice-to-have?). 

To me motor load would not seem like a problem. Both are are small very efficient coreless motors. They both together likely consume less current than a single typical Atlas or Kato "regular" N scale loco motor.

[Dwight in Toronto]

Thanks Pete. 

Still curious as to why Kelley used the “full size” 58420, with its inherently tight fit, rather than one of the N decoders.  ‘The Master Installer’ most certainly has an entirely rational reason - just wondering what it is!