The Kato EM13 and FL12 drop-in decoders, when used in Kato “DCC Friendly” models, are basic but fairly nice, and dead-simple to install. In this post, I demonstrate how to install them into Kato’s E4 shinkansen (bullet train). In a previous post, I installed these decoders into a Kato E231-500.
Installing the FL12 in the Cab Cars
E4 cab car decoder compartment hatch
As with the E231, there is a small hatch underneath the cab car. This time it’s a little more obvious where it is, and how it comes out. Open the hatch, and remove the small plastic switch inside. You will probably have to use the included miniature plastic screwdriver to get the switch out. (The plastic bit acts as a knife switch to cut off headlight/markerlight operation for when two E4s are consisted together).
FL12 installed in the E4 cab car
Install the FL12 just like in the E231. The only difference is that it is more difficult to slide in place; the components in the E4 resist insertion of the decoder. The first time, I ended up completely disassembling the car to make sure that I wasn’t going to break anything trying to get the FL12 in! It just takes some force. Notice also in the photo that the decoder is not pushed all the way in; there is a little bit of the gold contact pads on the wings showing. For whatever reason, the stop is set too far back, and if you push the FL12 in all the way to the stop, the lights will not work. So don’t slide it quite all the way in; you’ll have to fiddle with it a bit to find a position that works. It will stay in place.
Installing the EM13 in the Motor Car
Proper orientation of the EM13
This one is a little more tricky, because you have to remove the shell. The shell is held on by four tabs, two on each end next to the diaphragms. The tabs are quite large, and so removal takes a surprising amount of prying to get the shell off the tabs, so be careful. Once the shell is off, you will see the motor to one side, covered by a gray plastic shell. The EM13 will install into the indentation in the top of that shell. But first, notice the orientation: The brass rails that deliver the track signal are on top of, and the motor brush pickups are underneath the indentation. So, install the EM13 exactly as shown, with the long contacts up, and the short contacts (that go to the motor) down.
EM13 installed in E4 motor car
Installation requires only a gentle shove into place. When it’s in all the way, it won’t stick up anywhere, and will fit very neatly into its slot.
That’s it!