Remote Coupling Support

HO Remote Coupler Information

Kadee® is not selling Subarashi HO Scale Smart Couplers. If you have questions about the Smart Coupler® or wish to order the Smart Coupler® you will need to contact Subarashi Models.

Kadee® had entered into an agreement with Subarashi Models, the manufacturer of the Smart Coupler®, utilizing Kadee® Couplers and under License of Kadee® Quality Products.

HO-Scale remote uncoupling is available from Subarashi Models. For more information, demonstration and ordering please visit www.smart-coupler.com.

Subarashi is no longer making the Smart Coupler®.


Large Scale Remote Coupler Information

Kadee® RC

Although the Kadee®-RC system has been designed and engineered for ease of use, you may have some questions during initial operation. The following information should answer your questions. If your problem cannot be resolved with information we have provided please contact our service department for assistance.




News


  • Kadee®-RC system Announced at the NMRA Show - August 3-5, 2012
  • Kadee®-RC system G-Scale Released - December 14, 2012
  • Kadee®-RC system #1-Scale Coupler Released - April 10, 2013
  • Kadee®-RC Transmitter & Receiver Firmware Update - June 3, 2013
  • Kadee®-RC Servo Controller Released - October 9, 2014


Online Product Registration


Product Registration Form


Software / Firmware Updates


  Date   Firmware   Description
  December, 2012   Version 0.31   Kadee®-RC Transmitter & Receiver firmware
  June, 2013   Version 0.32   Kadee®-RC Receiver firmware
  June, 2013   Version 0.33   Kadee®-RC Transmitter firmware

How to update Kadee®-RC firmware


Frequently Asked Questions


Service


First things first, your transmitter & receivers must be registered to obtain firmware updates. If you have not registered your Kadee®-RC products: go to Product Registration Form and register.

Once you are registered go to our firmware page, read the instructions provided, submit a request for a RMA number, and ship the products to us with RMA number on outside of package.


First things first, your transmitter & receivers must be registered to obtain technical support. If you have not registered your Kadee®-RC products: go to Product Registration Form and register.

Once you are registered go to our Service Department web page & fill the contact form, with a detailed description of the problem.


First things first, your transmitter & receivers must be registered to obtain technical support. If you have not registered your Kadee®-RC products: go to Product Registration Form and register.

Please use our Service Department page & fill out the contact form, with a detailed description of the problem.


General


All information currently available for the Kadee-RC system is on this web site. We are updating the web site regularly as new questions & information becomes available. The website will be your source for information, updates, and technical support. If your Question is covered here or on the product information pages, you may email your question to us.


No, Although Kadee® has entered into an agreement with Subarashi Models the manufacturer of the "Smart Coupler®" utilizing Kadee® Couplers and under License of Kadee® Quality Products.

HO-Scale remote uncoupling is available from Subarashi Models. For more information, demonstration and ordering. Please go to https://www.smart-coupler.com/


As a remote coupler, only #1 & G-Scale is supported at this time.

As a relay switch controller (Using the Receivers on-board 250mA relay), All Scales including applications outside of Model Railroading the system will work with.


Yes, although we are only supporting #1 & G-Scale at this time. There will be limited technical support we could provide for other Scales.


The remote uncoupling system requires the Kadee New Generation AAR Type "E" Coupler design to function as the actuating coupler. The #906 Straight Centerset Shank Body Mount Coupler is provided with the #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit. The coupler that the remote New Generation AAR Type "E" Coupler connects to, can be a New Generation AAR Type "E" Coupler or Original Style coupler.

Note: New Generation AAR Type "E" Couplers are scale specific. You can only operate G-Scale with G-Scale and #1-Scale with #1-Scale.

Someone possibly could take the #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit and one of our other styles of New Generation AAR Type "E" Couplers that body mount (pivoting or truck mount platforms will not work) and make custom linkage rods and possibly some other custom components and engineer the coupler to operate. These adaptations will have limited technical support.

The Kadee Original Style Coupler (#830 coupler head style) will not work as the actuated coupler.


he Kadee-RC #11220 & #11221 Actuated Body Mount Coupler with Gearbox can be mounted in Locomotives, Freight cars, Passenger cars, Cabooses & Rolling Stock. It can be body mounted anywhere adequate space allows.

The Kadee-RC #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit can be mounted in most Freight cars, Passenger cars, Cabooses & Rolling Stock. It can be body mounted anywhere adequate space allows.

Use the Kadee-RC remote coupler conversion list for assistance.

G-Scale remote coupler conversion list


Let's first make this statement. Remote uncoupling requires the Kadee New Generation AAR Type "E" Coupler design to function as the actuating coupler. The coupler that the remote coupler couples to, can be a New Generation AAR Type "E" Coupler or Original Style coupler.

Note: New Generation AAR Type "E" Couplers are scale specific. You can only operate G-Scale with G-Scale and #1-Scale with #1-Scale.

So with that said: Possibly and No.

Someone possibly could take the #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit and one of our other styles of New Generation AAR Type "E" Couplers that body mounted (pivoting or truck mount platforms will not work) and make custom linkage rods and possibly some other custom components and engineer it to operate. There will be limited technical support we could provide.

No, the Kadee Original Style Coupler (830 coupler head style) will not work with Remote uncoupling.


No, we don't sell servo extension wires. Servo extension wires are available at most hobby shops if needed.


DCC


No, It is a Proprietary Radio Control System.

This means the Hand-Held Transmitter communicates directly to the Receiver, where ever the wireless Receiver module is mounted up to 300 feet away.


Yes, we recommend using our Kadee® RC #11130 Servo Controller (factory programed) to operate Kadee® RC Remote Couplers with DCC (Digital Command Control), AirWire, Bluetooth, or other locomotive control decoders with auxiliary/function output.

The other option is using a non Kadee® RC Servo Controller*. There are Locomotive Controllers (whether being DCC, radio controlled, wifi or some other means) that have Servo Controllers* built in that can operate Kadee® RC Remote Couplers. There are Digital Command Control (DCC) decoders with built in Servo Controller* & (DCC) Servo Decoders* that can used to operate Kadee® RC Remote Couplers. Radio Control Servo Controllers* also can operate Kadee® RC Remote Couplers as well. There will be limited technical support we could provide.

*The Servo Controller must be operate at a 90 degree servo rotation that is adjustable.

Note: Do to risk of coupler over rotation, any other means of operating the Kadee® RC Remote Couplers other than a Kadee® RC Remote System or Kadee® RC #11130 Servo Controller will void the coupler warranty.


There are to may problems associated with DCC technology, to make our Remote Coupler Kits work to our reliability standards on rolling stock not just locomotives.


Yes, If you have a DCC, AirWire, Bluetooth, or other locomotive control decoders with auxiliary/function output & use a Kadee® RC #11130 Servo Controller (factory programed) to operate Kadee® RC Remote Couplers or a compatible DCC decoder with built in servo control.

Compatible Servo Controller must be operate at a 90 degree servo rotation that is adjustable.

The #11115, #11220 & #11221 Kadee® RC Remote Couplers are designed to operate with 90 degree servo rotation only.

There will be limited technical support we could provide with non Kadee® Products.

Note: Do to risk of coupler over rotation, any other means of operating the Kadee® RC Remote Couplers other than a Kadee® RC Remote System or Kadee® RC #11130 Servo Controller will void the coupler warranty.


Servo Controller (#11130)


We have a couple additional Servo Controller Wiring Diagrams on the #11130 Servo Controller product page.


We had a typo on a early version of the #11130 instructions that did show 6-12 VDC.

The Servo Controllers operating voltage is 6-14.8 VDC.

A relay is only required on voltages exceeding 14.8 VDC


You can adjust the CW & CCW positions anywhere in the Servo's range of travel.

Setting the CW set point to a CCW position and vice-versa with the CCW set point to a CW position you have essentially reversed the Servo's operation.


Receiver (#11110)


Kadee-RC #11110 Receiver is designed receive power from a 6 volt DC battery pack containing four 1.5 volt batteries. The Receiver will operate reliably from 3.5 VDC to a maximum of 6 VDC.

A low battery warning will be displayed in the Transmitter LCD display when addressing a receiver with a battery level of 3.4 volts or lower.

Note: Powering the Receiver from any other power source, than the supplied Receiver 6 volt DC battery pack will void the warranty.


It depends on several things: the quality of batteries used (mAh's), the frequency of use and the mA draw. The receiver in standby mode should last for years on a good quality set of batteries.

The Hitec (HS-311) servo has a 180mA draw. So a set 1100mAh batteries should run 24+ hrs of continues usage.

If you were running a 250mA light off the built in relay it should run 17+ hrs continues usage off a set of 1100mAh batteries.


Transmitter (#11215)


It depends on quality of batteries used (mAh's), the frequency of use.


Product Review


This is not true, The #11100 Basic Starter Kit is Designed for Rolling Stock like Freight Cars, Passenger Cars & Cabooses, that have adequate room in the body of the car to mount the standard size servo and other components & have room for body mounting the #906 New Generation AAR Type "E" Coupler.


Yes, The Servo Movement is not adjustable it is set to 90 deg.

However, The linkage is adjustable & is discussed in the instructions that are included with the #11100 Basic Starter Kit & the #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit.

Please refer to the Instructions section of this page.


This is not true. We have instructions included for installing the servo & linkages for the #11100 Basic Starter Kit & the #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit.

Please refer to the Instructions section of this page.


We do not recommend using a coupler other than the New Generation AAR Type "E" Coupler supplied in the kits.

#11221 #1-Scale is now available


We recommend following the #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit Instructions provided with the #11100 Basic Starter Kit & the #11115 Body Mount Coupler Kit for Installation.

However a servo "Y" adaptor can be used to operate two #11220 or #11221 Couplers Simultaneously.


This is not true. The receivers are sequentially bound to the next available free address, or the receiver can be custom addressed when binding to an unused address.

See the Transmitter User Guide


This is not true. The receiver remains bound even if the power is lost. You have to manually unbind receiver and transmitter to remove the address.

See the Transmitter User Guide


Purchasing


Not our RC System, Due to Governmental FCC selling & exporting Regulations. You would not be able to purchase a Kadee-RC System that contains the Kadee-RC Transmitter or Receiver from us.

The Kadee-RC Transmitter & Receivers are FCC & IC Compliant.

You still can purchase the Kadee® RC Remote Couplers #11115, #11220 & #11221. You would just need to use DCC, AirWire, Bluetooth, or other locomotive control decoders with auxiliary/function output & a Kadee® RC #11130 Servo Controller (factory programed) to operate Kadee® RC Remote Couplers.



Instructions


Quick Start Guide


Hand-Held Transmitter


G-Scale Basic Remote Coupler Starter Kit


G-Scale & #1 Scale Self Contained Remote Coupler Starter Kit (single)


G-Scale Body Mount Remote Coupler Kit


Servo Controller (DCC, AirWire, etc.)


Remote Uncoupling
1 1 1 1
Stop car(s) on desired track, allowing slack to occur between the couplers Press the back on the transmitter and open the remote coupler**.
The remote coupler draws itself apart, uncoupling them.
Withdraw to disengage couplers, leaving uncoupled car(s) on desired track. Press the back on the transmitter and close the remote coupler**.
* Limited uncoupling on curves.
** The receiver that controls coupler must be addressed, before it can receive commands from transmitter.


Conversion List


Kadee®-RC Remote Coupler Conversion List



Tips & Tricks


Kadee®-RC Remote Coupler Conversion List



Troubleshooting Guide


Error Codes
In the event that an error occurs, a two digit code will be displayed briefly in the Transmitter Display.

E.00 - Unrecognized command from keypad
E.01 - Unrecognized response from selected Receiver
E.02 - Communication Time-out
E.03 - ID number not in list
E.09 - No Receiver IDs availablev E.10 - CRC error
E.11 - Receiver doesn't recognize command
E.12 - Bind failed
E.13 - Invalid Receiver ID
E.15 - Receiver SN not initialized

Circuit Protection
When utilizing a Receivers on-board relay, protecting the circuit is highly recommended. Kadee Quality Products will not be responsible for damage to the Receivers Relay it it has been overloaded due to improper wiring or a short circuit.
See section 4.2 Operating the Relay for proper wiring and circuit protection in the Transmitter User Guide.

Transmitter Problems
If the Transmitter should act abnormal or lock up: remove the batteries from the Transmitter for ten seconds. When the batteries are replaced the firmware version will be displayed for a moment and then show that the system is off.

Transmitting Range Problems
You could encounter range problems from a variety of reasons.
Although the system will notify you of low batteries in a Receiver or your Transmitter, the maximum range will be obtained with fresh batteries.

If you are experiencing insufficient range, follow these tips for achieving maximum range:

  • Make sure your Receiver Antenna is straight and vertical if possible
  • Mount your Receiver and Antenna as high as possible
  • Do not locate the Receiver and Antenna close to motors
  • Keep in mind that close proximity to other transmitters like wireless keyboard and mouse could affect range

Receiver Module Acting Erratically
Check Battery Pack voltage.
Recommended voltage for Receiver Module: 3.5 - 6.5 VDC (3.2VDC Minimum - 7VDC Maximum)
Some Lithium AA batteries when new produce over 1.77 volts. A 4 cell battery pack with new Lithium batteries can produce well over 7 volts. This will cause the Receiver Module to act erratically.



Common Troubleshooting Chart


Binding Receiver to Transmitter Remedy
When try to Bind Receiver to Transmitter I get a E.00 Error Code. You are Holding instead of Pressing the [6] Key. All you need to do is a quick press and release of the [6] Key.
When Addressing a Receiver with firmware V0.31 with a Transmitter operating with firmware V0.33 will result in an E.02 message in the Transmitters display.
(The Receiver will still function properly)
To resolve the E.02 error.
You will need to send your receiver(s) in and we will update firmware and return the receiver to you free of charge.
Firmware Return Merchandise Authorization Page
RMA


FCC Licensing


FCC Licensing
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which has been tested and found to be compliant with the applicable regulations governing a radio transmitter in the 902GHz to 988GHz frequency range.

fcc ic fcc fcc