Hi all Anyone out there with an n scale Atlas Classic GP-35 been able to find a decoder for them? How hard was the installation? How did you isolate the motor from the frame halves?
A small Lenz or Digitrax wire in decoder works good in these. I think the Lenz #'s are LE511 or LE077 there my be others suitable. Digitrax DZ121,DZ143 or DZ123's are small enough also. A little of the rear part of the frame has to be milled off, But it is minimal. Here are some pics of how I isolated a Kato SD40.
I would use the Lenz mini gold decoder. It's the smallest decoder on the market and is 1/3 rd smaller than any of the depcders mentioned above. It also has the latest DCC technology. This decoder would require less milling of the frame and I use it in all loco's that aren't DCC ready. Stay cool and run steam........
First of all it's 1/3rd smaller in size. Here are it's features: Asymmetrical DCC* for location specific commands • USP Technology*: Uninterruptible Signal Processing • RailCom* : Full NMRA DCC Bi-directional Communication Size: L 0.43" x W 0.35"x H 0.11" L11 x W9 x H2.8 mm 0.5 amp continuous, 0.8 amp peak, overload protected Motor control The decoder has a high-frequency control (23kHz). To adapt it to the type of locomotive used, you can simply choose between different motor types. These individual motor types include parameter sets which have been specially adapted to the respective models. Moreover, it is also possible to carry out fine-tuning via various CVs. The minimum, maximum and mid speed can be set; the decoder adapts the characteristic speed line dynamically to ensure a steady, even curve. It is also possible to program an individual characteristic speed curve. Overload protection The decoders are protected against overloading, short circuits and overheating. Starting and braking delay The starting and braking delays can be set independently of each other. These delays can be enabled and disabled via a function by pressing the key of the digital system once. Constant braking distance A special feature of the GOLD decoder provides for a constant braking distance independent of the current speed of the locomotive. This feature is important for model railway operators who install automatic stopping sections in their layouts. Switching speed The shunting speed can be set via a function; it halves the speed. ABC = simple signal stop and slow approach using Asymmetrical DCC You can carry out a particularly simple signal stop using the ABC braking module. Combined with the constant braking distance, precise on-the-spot stopping in front of red signals is not a problem. The signal indication "Slow approach/Caution" does not pose a problem; the respective speed can be set via a CV in the decoder. You can operate all functions during the signal stop or slow approach - you can even reverse away again from the red signal. Push-pull train control A push-pull train control can be set if the ABC braking module BM2 is used. There are two different options: push-pull operation with and without intermediate stops. The latter also takes slow-approach sections into account. The stopping time at the end of the track and at the intermediate stops is set at between 1 and 255 seconds via a CV. USP* In combination with the optional energy storage, the intelligent USP circuit ensures that your locomotive can run even over dirty track sections or dead frogs. The energy storage is installed separately in the vehicle. RailCom* The GOLD decoder is equipped with the RailCom function. In addition to the locomotive address, other data (e.g. speed, CV content) can be transmitted from the locomotive via the track back to the system and displayed. Function outputs Four function outputs can be mapped to the functions of the digital system according to NMRA specifications. Lighting effects Different lighting effects can be set at the four function outputs: Setting the brightness (dimming), can be switched via a function as desired Mars light Gyra light Strobe and double strobe Different settings for random flickering (ideal for a steam locomotive’s fire box) Flashing Ditch Lights The S.U.S.I. interface The S.U.S.I. interface enables the connection of sound or function modules which support this interface. Stay cool and run steam......
Something in between the two is the TCS M1. Goof proof warranty, dithering for amazing low speed and smaller than the DZ123 but not as small as the Lenz Gold.
....and much cheaper than the Lenz gold. I use the gold in very tight places, but use the TCS M1 or M2 every where else.
Lucky me I haven't encountered a situation where a M1 won't fit. I figured when the days comes I'll check out the Lenz Silver or Gold series.
Another option is find out the part number for the new DCC frame halves and order them from the Atlas store along with the two brass contacts for DCc ready locomotives. You can then use the DN163A0 drop in decoder. You will probably spend about $10 more but wont have to do any milling or wiring of motor contacts and lights.
I "had" several of the older Atlas/Kato's, and I have to say, the new Atlas Classic units run WAY better, are DCC ready, and the paint is far better than the old units. I sold all of my Atlas/Kato GP30/35's, and have been replacing them with the new units. I couldn't be happier. One slight down side. The DCC ready units don't have as much "pulling" power as the old Atlas/Kato units, but that's not a problem for me...............................DRGW lashups can pull plenty!
First decoder install I did was my Atlas/Kato GP30's. Used DN93 decoders. Any N or Z scale decoder made since 1997 would be an easier fit. Martin Myers
Hi all. I guess I should have been more specific in my original post. The engine I am referring to is the (re-tooled?) GP-35 Classic that came out in Jan 2004. It does not say it is DCC ready on the atlas site, but I pulled off the shell and it does have a split frame with some type of Light board.
FYI.......I just looked at the NCE website while looking into something else and I noticed that NCE has come out with a P-N-P decoder for the Newer Atlas Classic GP-35 N12A2 (also fits GP-7 GP-9 and GP-30). The website said available September 2006. So you should be able to get it soon.
I guess the easiest option is to switch the chassis with the new DCC ready units... I did the same thing with some Kato SD40's and then sold the non-DCC chassis on eBay. Harold
