SDN144K0A installation question about the capacitor
Is the 100microF capacitor needed? Or is it only for use in the Kato E8B unit when both LEDs are removed? If it is part of the installation, what size hole doesit need for mounting?
The 100uF capacitor is required for all installations. The capacitor provides keep alive voltage to the decoder. This is important when the locomotive runs over a section of dirty track or is traveling through a non powered (insul-frog) turnout. On non-sound equipped locomotives, typically you will not see the locomotive hesitate or lose power when it encounters dirty track. With a sound equipped locomotive, you will hear the decoder restart due to the dirty track.
The capacitor is dipped in a conformal coating to help insulate it when installed in a locomotive. The nominal size of the capacitor is just over ¼” (.253”). I would suggest drilling a 9/32” hole. This will allow the capacitor to be easily inserted in the hole.
John Claudio from Aztec Manufacturing can perform the necessary frame machining for the speaker and capacitor if you choose not to do the drilling yourself.