Keep Alives in Consists

[drisdon]

I did some searching before posting, but trying to understand if all locomotives in a consist need keep alives installed?  I know the sound equipped locomotives for sure operate better with keep alives, but what happens when they are mixed with non keep alive locomotives, will they still operate with each other? 

Thanks,
Dan Risdon 

[KPack]

Dan

I have only two locomotives with KA installed at the moment and I can say that they work just fine with non-KA locomotives in consist.  I would love to install KA in all my units, but with the space requirements that may not be possible. 

I haven't noticed anything odd by having KA and non-KA paired together.  One thing to note though is that adding a KA will make it so the DCC-mode does not work.  The bridge rectifier that you install with a KA scrambles the DCC signal.  Not a problem for me because I won't ever use the DCC-mode, but can be a problem for others.

-Kevin

[drisdon]

Perfect, that helps alot!  Also reduces the cost too. 

Dan R.