Making Kato Steam Locos "DDC and sound ready" by yourself

[Steve]

It seems like, that newer KATO steam locos like the last D51 and C62 Versions are DCC-friedly / easier to digitalize.

 

Why not to solder adapter platines like those which come with the ESU Soundpilot 5 Micro Decoders, they all have Next18 but come with a adapter platine (8pin, 6pin and pin-less 6 cable versions) with a wired speaker (which also could be switched when to large). This makes it easier to switch the decoder if it dies instead of just hard wire the decoder.

 

ESU 58810 with such an adapter with 8-pin:

 

 

Such adapters but without a speaker are also sold seperately as 51993:

 

 

Edited November 25, 2023 by Steve