I am just about to embark on the fitment of the Lenz LE077XF decoder into an Atlas GP40 and a Kato SD40 and a Life Like Switcher. Has anyone else advice for me on these installations? Pictures etc would be helpful. I was thinking of cutting the headlight PCB board and tapping in using that method. I am also concerned about wiring the motor, soldering is not my greatest attribute.
Mick: I have installed Digitrax DZ121's into both the Kato SD-40, and Atlas GP-40. The two decoders are about the same in size and function. I mounted my decoders to the rear, and used a Dremel moto-tool with cut-off disk to remove the necessary area around the rear headlight. You'll loose the rear headlight, unless you wire in a bulb. Remove the rear light board, and remove frame material down to the top of the bronze wiper that contacts the worm gear over the rear truck. Do not go any lower. Go forward, only as necessary. mark the frame cuts with a magic marker, then strip everything off the frame halves. Make your cuts, smooth the cut surface with a fine metal file, then wash with soap to remove any little metal shavings. When you solder to the motor, solder directly to the motor brush cap. Use a 40-watt or better iron, and plate both surfaces so they solder quickly. The motor brush is made up of two pieces, the outer metal tube, and the inner brush cap. Solder directly to the cap, do not touch the outer tube. Applying heat to the tube will melt the plastic and allow the tube to fly off (there's a spring inside), and then you can buy a new motor. If you have some older (dead) motors lying around (I never throw anything away) practice on these first. If you have any questions, just E-mail. Remember, you can do this! It's not "rocket science". Have fun! Robert
