Kato N700 DCC install

[miksterr]

Hi all,

 

Before i place an order for an N700 (4 car) and some dcc decoders and interior lights, i am wondering if cars 1 and 2 can accept interior lights too? I know they have Head /  Tail lights installed and i am going to get 2 x FL12 decoders for these. But i am unsure as if the front and rear cars can accept interior lights and the FR11 decoder?

 

Michael.

 

P.S. anyone know of the best place online to purchase all of this from? Delivery will be to Australia.

 

Thanks.

[nik_n_dad]

You might try plazajapan on ebay.  I've bought alot from them over the last year, and they have good prices and excellent customer service.

 

It's a reasonable looking set, BUT.....  I've had the n700 for a while and have never got the DCC to work in it (motorcar).  The first set had a defective cab car, and I couldn't get DCC working that motorcar.  It was exchanged for a new set, and it too has issues with the EM13 decode in the motorcar. I've tried numerous EM13's including ones from other trains that are working.

 

I hope you have better luck than I on this one.

[CaptOblivious]

Each car should accept Kato's interior lighting kits. I've never seen a Kato, Tomix, or Micro Ace model that accepted interior lighting in only some cars. And if they take the interior lighting kits, they'll work with the FR11, too. Just make sure you get the kits with the LEDs (11-209 or 11-210) and not the bulbs!

[KenS]

Before i place an order for an N700 (4 car) and some dcc decoders and interior lights, i am wondering if cars 1 and 2 can accept interior lights too? I know they have Head /  Tail lights installed and i am going to get 2 x FL12 decoders for these. But i am unsure as if the front and rear cars can accept interior lights and the FR11 decoder?

 

The Kato light set consists of a LED on a light board that goes at one end of the car (along with some copper strips that connect it to the under-floor strips that get power from the wheels), a plastic prism that clips into the top of the car, and a strip of reflective tape.

 

You'll need to cut the tape and prism to fit in a cab car, but it should otherwise fit, although I haven't installed on in an N700.

 

The FR11 decoder is probably only needed if you want to be able to turn the lights on/off via DCC (it replaces the light board). I have used the lighting kit without an FR11 on DCC and it works.  However, I haven't used it for an extended period (my layout is still DC, and I only have one train equipped with DCC so far). And there's a possibility of overdriving the LED, particularly if you use a full-power (16v) DCC system, if it's getting too much voltage.

 

Most DC power packs put out 12-16 volts, so it shouldn't be a problem. However, I think Kato's DC power packs put out 12 volts, and the Digitrax Zephyr they recommend puts out 14v, while some DCC power supplies can put out 16-18 volts.  So there is a risk if they cut the tolerances close.

 

The photo below shows the light board below one of my E231 cars, with the prism and tape installed. You can just see the copper strips sticking up at the right end of the car.

[miksterr]

Thanks everyone for your tips and help. I think i will order the lot from Plaza Japan now. Will let you know how it all goes.

 

Mike.