Kato RhB Allegra DCC Conversion

[GeneW]

Sorry for the delayed response!  

 

I kept the original PCB with the LEDs.  See the photo below (not my picture but borrowed from a set of online conversion instructions I found).  I insulated the bottom PCB power connections with Kapton tape - all power for the lights is coming from the decoder wires (yellow, white, blue).

 

For the motor unit, I ordered some custom PCBs using the board files from an article on Tumblr entitled "Kato RhB Allegra DCC Conversion".  I'm adding the surface mount LEDs and resistors and will use these to convert my motor units.  See the second picture.  Slow going (the parts are really small!) but I think the results will be worth the time as the cost is minimal.

 

Cheers!

 

Gene

[GeneW]

Here's the stock PCB (left) and my PCB on the right.   Since the photo was taken, I've installed the LEDs on one side of all 5 PCBs.  One PCB needs some re-work (the LED solder connection is tricky since the pads are very small and under the LED).  I'll fix that one and then flip the boards to do the other side.  The tiny solder blobs are the wire connection pads.

Cheers!

 

 

Edited January 18 by GeneW
removed non DCC content

[GeneW]

One note for the trailer unit conversion - the ESU LokPilot micro Fx decoders work fine with the ESU LokProgrammer (as they should), but they require a 150ohm resistor connection between U+ and AUX1 in order to generate the DCC ACK pulse needed by most DCC programmers (e.g. DCC-EX with DecoderPro).  Not a huge deal as I do have the LokProgrammer.  I do have two more conversions to complete, so I may consider adding the resistor with a tiny switch for programming with DCC-EX.  I'll post additional pics if I go that route.

Edited January 18 by GeneW
clarification and pic added

[chadbag]

Good stuff. Thanks.   
 

I do think custom PCBs may be a good way forward for a lot of DCC conversions.  I’m seeing more of them and like the idea.   And the contract PCB makers have good intro deals that make it inexpensive.  

Edited January 18 by chadbag

[GeneW]

Since I didn't have to design the PCB, it was really easy just to order and put on the components.  If I ever do design any custom boards, I will definitely share to make it easier for others to do the same.  Cheers!

[chadbag]

32 minutes ago, GeneW said:

Since I didn't have to design the PCB, it was really easy just to order and put on the components.  If I ever do design any custom boards, I will definitely share to make it easier for others to do the same.  Cheers!

 

The good thing is that in general the circuit should mostly be the same for basic installations.  Just the form factor needs to be adjusted.  Once I get moved I'll see what I can come up with for  "generic" board that can be physically adjusted.  I have some Tomix locomotives to use as a test.

 

Of course, it is easier to just buy a board if someone has already come up with one and you just need one or two.  (Not trying to cut into anyone's business here)

[Kingmeow]

1 hour ago, chadbag said:

Once I get moved I'll see what I can come up with for  "generic" board that can be physically adjusted.  I have some Tomix locomotives to use as a test.

 

I can't wait until you are moved!  There's so many things on your list that forum members are waiting for!!!!  🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Edited January 19 by Kingmeow

[chadbag]

11 hours ago, Kingmeow said:

 

I can't wait until you are moved!  There's so many things on your list that forum members are waiting for!!!!  🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

we’ve been renting and gave our 30 day notice on the 1st.  So we have until the 31st to pass inspection and be out.  (They did say if we needed a few days we could pay a pro rated daily rent as they’re planning on renovations so don’t need us out for the next people.)

 

There will still be things to do on the house but the pressure will be off.  Nothing vital per se will be left.  The last few things the city cares about I’m trying to get done the next few days.  I’m actually just finishing up for the evening (at 5am).   

[cteno4]

You deserve a one week RnR at a spa after this marathon Chad!

 

jeff

[GeneW]

Well - all looking good for the Allegra DCC conversion!  I just need to tame the wires a bit.  Lights function as they should, and the unit runs nicely!  I did run power to the Kato interior lighting unit from the decoder, and I'm using AUX1 to control the interior lighting.

 

Cheers!

[chadbag]

That’s awesome.  I love to see how others install their decoders.  

[GeneW]

I think I saw that Kato is releasing a DCC version of the Allegra - will be interesting to see how they do it.  I think lighting is still optional from the listing I saw. 

 

Cheers!

[chadbag]

Unless it is a locomotive with a lightboard in a normal form factor KATO almost always uses EM13 decoder and chassis capable of such