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Decoder Selection by Loco:
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About Decoder Selection
Some simple things that will help you decide which decoder is right for you, your loco, and your way of operation.
Most Kato locos can use the Digitrax-DH163PK0. Some can use the DH165A0 or NCE-DASR. While the DH165A0, DASR, and DH163PK0 are direct-replacement drop-ins, any wired decoder can also replace that light board. Also, some have the NMRA socket. In this case, any wired decoder with an NMRA plug can be plugged in.
C44-9W
TCS-DP5X, D-DH163IP, NCE-D14SRP, or any decoder with an NMRA PV plug harness. Drop-in will work too, but there's no advantage to them.
No recommendations.
GP35 (old)
.DH163PK0, NCE-DASR, or any wired decoder.
 No recommendations.
GP35 (new)
TCS-DP5X, NCE-D14SRP, D-DH163IP, or any decoder with an NMRA plug on the harness. The wired NMRA plug decoders need to be mounted over the rear truck. This keeps the wire harness out of the way of the bulb and light bar. The "direct/integral" plug decoders require the weight inside the shell to be modified.
 No recommendations.
GP45
DH163PK0, NCE-DASR, or any wired decoder with an NMRA plug on the harness.
 No recommendations.
NW
DZ143, TCS-M1. The difficulty depends on where you decide to install the decoder. Some people put it in the cab. That's a bit easier than milling a place for it in the fuel tank or under the hood.
 No recommendations.
RS2 & RSC2 (12/98)
TCS-DP5X, D-DH163IP, NCE-D14SRP, or any decoder with an NMRA plug on a medium harness. The wired decoders must be placed in an exact orientation, and the wire harness strung just right to have ample room. Our application note for this installation was originally published in our 12/98 newsletter. The application note (not needed for the TH150DP) is free for the asking when you buy a decoder.
 No recommendations.
SD40 (older) D-DH163PK0 or any wired decoder. No recommendations.
SD40-2 (newer)
TCS-DP5X or any decoder with an NMRA plug on the harness. The wired NMRA plug decoders need to be mounted over the rear truck. This keeps the wire harness out of the way of the bulb and light bar. The TH150DP requires the weight inside the shell to be modified.
 No recommendations.
SD45
Any wired decoder with our NMRA "PV"harness. Direct plug decoders such as the TCS-DP5X or DH163IP will require minor modification to the weight in the shell.
 No recommendations.
SD 70/80/90 MAC
TCS-DP5X, DH163IP, NCE-D14SRP, or any wired decoder with our NMRA "PV"harness. Note: Kato recommends adjusting the motor leads to the PC Board. One of them can touch a trace on the board which will cause the decoder to short out.
No recommendations.
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