Substitutes for KATO Decoders

[railzilla]

Hello,

 

I have still a few Kato EMUs which need a Decoder. They can be fitted with the Kato(Digitrax) EM13. the problem is that the EM13 seems to be sold out in most shops. So i wonder if there is a replacement type with the same form factor? Or which decoders can fit inside the space designed for the EM13. I don't want to do any alteration on the chassis and/or casing but i can solder in a decoder.

Also i need a decoders for the cab cars.

Is there a way to order NGDCC decoders, seems for my cab cars it would be the best solution. i also have some Tomix and MicroAce stocj to be fitted. Any help is welcome.

[The_Ghan]

Hi railzilla,

 

Model Train Stuff still has 4.  Grab 'em quick.

 

Cheers

 

The_Ghan

[CaptOblivious]

There are no substitutes for the Kato decoders. NGDCC doesn't make anything compatible. Unless you want to hack-and-slash, your best bet is to wait for them to come back in stock (they will, eventually, I promise! Their manufacture seems to be on a 6-month rotation).

 

That said, other members have been able to order from NGDCC by emailing Shuhei Nagasue directly (email address is at the NGDCC website http://www.snjpn.com/index.htm ).

[railzilla]

Thanks for the Info.

I am searching for the decoders for quite a while and most shop don't have stock. Some have a couple of the EM13 but no FL12 If i can get a small and cheap decoder i will do the "hack and slash" i can do so for Tomix and Micro Ace so i will do it for Kato to.

NGDCC seems have the best solution for decoders for bidirectional light. So i will write an email and give it a try.

[bill937ca]

Plaza Japan has 15 FL12 decoders.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/DCC-Decoder-FL12-for-head-and-tail-light-Kato-29-352-/200498875659?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2eaeaa0d0b

[railzilla]

Thanks for the tip bill937ca. Plazajapan is the only seller which has all three Kato  decoders in stock. At least my Kato rolling stock will be ready for winter season.

[bill937ca]

Your welcome, railzilla.

[KenS]

Plaza Japan has 15 FL12 decoders.

 

HS just listed the FL12 as a reseve item for October re-release at about 10% less.

[bill937ca]

Plaza Japan has 15 FL12 decoders.

 

HS just listed the FL12 as a reseve item for October re-release at about 10% less.

 

But priced in the sky-high Yen.

[KenS]

True, if you can get them domestically they'll likely be cheaper.  I haven't seen the FL12 at MB Klein for a while now though, although they do have four of the EM13 left as I type this, and it's about 10% lower than HS's price (and you can get cheaper shipping too).