Hello. I got a Atlas N scale GP9 ( Model number 48365-48367, with copyright 2006 stamped on the frame) and an looking for a decoder. When I bought the locomotive, I was told to get Digitrax decoder DN163A0. I tried installing it, and found that it is too long to fit the locomotive frame.
I did a search, and could find nothing. Is there a drop in decoder from Digitrax that will fit this locomotive, or will I need to search for another brand, or was I installing it wrong.
Thanks
Thats odd. It should fiit. I have a Atlas GP40 in N and it fits. Can you explain on how you installed the decoder? Does Atlas even make GP9s? On their website I see just GP7s.
Thanks
The decoder is about 1/8" to 1/4" too long for the loco frame. I am going to search again, to see if there is another decoder that will fit. I am also going to call the guy at the hobby shop back, and see if I maybe got the wrong one by mistake. If I can’t figure it out, I may need to take it to him and pay to fix it. Thanks for you help.
BTW, the install was attemped by loosening the screws that hold the two halves of the frame together, and sliding the decoder in to the slots. It would have been finished by tightening the screws, but I didn’t even get that far.
There are going to be many other decoders that are going to fit, but they are not going to be board replacements. Before you call your hobby shop, Does the package of the decoder say that its the correct one that you want?
Not exactly. I will fit a GP-40, and others, not exactly the GP-9. I was simply going off the recomendation of the guy at the shop. I will call him to see what can be done, wether he installs it the way he knows how, or modifies a decoder, or locomotive. I was more or less hoping that someone on here new of some little secret to it.
Something that has me curious is that the decoder I have is listed as the decoder for almost all Atlas N motive power. I of course, got the oddball. Maybe that’s why it was on sale…
The NCE N12A2 fits the GP9.
It doesn’t look to me like there is a current Digitrax drop in.
The current Digitrax is the DN163A2 which is designed for the GP-9’s and GP-30’s and other such Atlas loco’s.
I think this is the case, though there isn’t a mention of it on the Digitrax website that I can find!
I believe GP40s have different frames, so the Digitrax plug-in shouldn’t fit a GP9. I find the latest, B-EMF equipped TCS ASD4 a perfect fit for GP9s. I have a lash-up of two which run great.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/DecoderSelection/N-Scale/atlas_drop.htm
I think that is the plan for now, Denny99
I have a trio of Atlas N Scale Master™ Line G38-2 “decoder ready” locomotives (Atlas Item #s 47760, 47761, 47762) that I’d like to fit with three decoders of the same brand.
I already have a pair of N-scale geeps with MRC sound decoders (Item #0001636) and I’d like to get some other decoders to see what else is out there.
Whose decoders does Atlas tend to use for factory-installed DCC?
I’d be interested in reading CV’s, back-emf, and speed matching the locomotives as well.
Any other neat features I should consider?
I’d prefer a drop-in install that simply replaces the existing lighting board. Manufacturers and item numbers would be great.
GP38-2 can use any of the following:
Digitrax DN163A0
NCE N12A0
TCS AMD4
Standard Atlas supplied decoder for the GP38-2 was a version of the Lenz LEO63XF. Atlas is now using NCE decoders in current production decoder equipped engines.
MRC 1636 sound decoder will fit after milling which can be done by Aztec