The EZ54 module was designed specifically for use in Kato passenger cars, RDCs, and cabooses, when used with Kato N Scale interior lighting kits.  The EZ54 module replaces the Kato lamp and its carrier, using a bright 3 mm LED to create light.  The EZ54 circuit board is the same size and shape as the Kato white plastic lamp carrier.  The LED used is extremely bright at relatively low current levels.  This keeps the heating of the current limiting resistor at a low enough level to allow these modules to safely be powered by voltages up to 20 volts.  The modest heat generated when using this relatively high voltage is not enough to damage a plastic car body.  Also, since the light source is an LED operated at a low current level, an extremely long LED lifetime can be anticipated.

The Kato lamp draws about 60 mA at 12 volts.  This is the maximum voltage specified by Kato, and it represents 0.72 watts of power being converted into heat inside the car.  It has been observed that this amount of heat is generally not sufficient to cause damage to the car body if the kit has been installed according to Kato's instructions.  However, applying a slightly greater voltage has apparently caused body shell damage in some circumstances, and it would also have a major negative impact on the service life of the 12 volt lamp.

The EZ54 in its normal brightness configuration draws about 3 milliamps (mA) at a track voltage of 7 volts (typical moderate speed DC track voltage), 6 mA at a track voltage of 12 volts (normal N Scale DCC track voltage), and about 10 mA at a track voltage of 18 volts (high DCC track voltage from some suppliers).  These values represent 0.021 watt, 0.072 watt and 0.18 watt, respectively.  The voltages are average values, typical of pure DC or the RMS value of DCC track voltage.  These wattage levels are not sufficient to generate enough heat to damage a plastic body shell, even at 18 volts.

Modelers who use the Aristocraft (Crest) power system and some older conventional power packs may also be applying relatively high PEAK voltages to their track in some cases, but the EZ54 can handle typical situations easily.  An advantage when using the Aristocraft / Crest power system is that the throttle can be adjusted to keep the interior lights on at near full brightness while the train is not moving.

The standard EZ54 is nondirectional -- light is produced regardless of the polarity of the track voltage.   The standard configuration uses a special high intensity white 3 mm LED.  The operating current is selected to a produce light intensity expected to be suitable for a wide range of track voltages.  The light intensity is intentionally limited to a subdued level.  The design goal was for the light to barely be noticeable in a normally lighted environment, but quite noticeable in a darkened environment, similar to the prototype.  We wanted to avoid very high brightness levels that might give the impression that a movie was being filmed in each car.

An interesting variation is a white LED with a deep blue filter in the Superliner Lounge.  It simulates the dim blue lighting found inside such cars during the times when the main lights are off late at night or when a movie is showing on the car's TV screen.

The EZ54 is designed to be used with the Kato lighting kit, replacing the Kato lamp and its carrier.  Normal applications require installation in a Kato passenger car, RDC, or caboose equipped to accept a Kato lighting kit.  All components in the Kato lighting kit are used, except the lamp and its carrier.  The clear plastic light guide, the metal shield removed from the lamp carrier, and the copper strips used to make the electrical connection to the power conductors already present in all Kato cars must all be used in normal applications.  Installation in a Kato car is essentially unchanged except it is recommended that the metal shield be removed from the Kato lamp carrier and attached to the light guide.  This helps to hold the LED in proper position relative to the light guide, and simplifies reassembly of the car.

PRICE and AVAILABILITY -- Pricing for the standard configuration of the EZ54 is $7.00 per module, or six modules for the price of five, $35.00.  Richmond Controls will attempt to keep standard modules in stock at all times.

COMBINATION PACKAGES -- The EZ54 can now be supplied with equal numbers of Kato Light Kits, as a convenience to those direct order customers needing both and unable to find the Kato kits at their local dealer.   The Combo Kits are available in combinations appropriate for Kato passenger car sets.  The Single Combo includes one EZ54 with yellow LED and one Kato Light Kit for $12.00 plus shipping.  A Four-Pack Combo is $45.00, a Six-Pack Combo is $60.00, and an Eight-Pack combo is $80.00.  Note that these combos generally require repackaging the Kato Light Kits, which are only available from Kato as Single Packs or Six-Packs.

SPECIAL FEATURES -- Many special features are possible using the EZ54, but most customers are not likely to need or want any special features.  Available special features include:
 

• Increased brightness modification -- no additional cost.
• Reduced brightness modification -- no additional cost
• Constant LED current regardless of track voltage -- not necessary for DCC users, but somewhat useful for non-DCC users.  Since LEDs are perceived to exhibit less brightness variation than lamps, this option is recommended only if the user feels that brightness variations are unacceptable.  The price will be determined based on other options selected.
• Anti-flicker circuitry -- Equally appropriate for DCC users and non-DCC users, but may not be needed if the Kato wheels are kept reasonably clean.  (Kato trucks pick up power from all wheels, and thus flickering is generally not observed in Kato cars if the wheels and track are kept clean.)  This option requires placing a capacitor somewhere in the car's interior, and very little room is available for this capacitor.  The price will be determined based on other options selected.
• Auxiliary lighting (tail lights, marker lights, drum head lights, etc.) -- only steady auxiliary lights can be driven by the EZ54.  Other Richmond Controls modules are available for special effects, such as oscillating tail lights.  The price will be determined based on other options selected.  For example, the additional cost of a pair of red LED tail lights that fit the tail light holes in Superliner cars and are powered by the EZ54 is $5.00.  Please inquire if interested.
• Directional Lighting -- only available for non-DCC applications.  Available on special request at no extra cost.
• Other LED colors -- A white LED with deep blue filtering for representing dim blue late-night interior lighting is available on special request for no additional charge.
• Installation in other brands of cars will be considered on a case-by-case basis.