I recently bought a Atlas S1 Switcher and would like to know what kind of Decoder will work in it. Any and all answers will be greatly appriceated. THANK-YOU From santaferailroader.
Try the NCE decoder for the Atlas S-4. It is a direct replacement for the light board in Atlas Alco switchers. I’ve installed this type of decoder in four of my Atlas Alco switchers, and it works quite well.
I also just bought one (Army) and was wondering which decoder myself. I have a Digitrax system, would there be any advantage to try and get a Digitrax decoder?
Installing a digitrax decoder is possible but it is a lot harder to install given the available space and the way the old light board mounted. I agree with Aloco; get the NCE decoder; I have an S4 and it is fairly straight forward.
If you choose to use a Digitrax decoder, I recommend a DN143 or DZ123; use LEDs with a1K ohm 1/8 watt resistor in series with each LED for lighting.
I cut a thin piece of styrene to replace the existing board and then glued a LENZ 1014MP Decoder to the styrene. Works great.
I have used this method in many of my diesel loco’s.
Thanks all. This will most likely be my first install of a decoder. First off, it’s an inexpensive engine - not one of my Big Boys. And from what I’ve been reading, its not just a plug and play install. Got to iso the motor and such. This will be interesting!
Thanks for the info aloco I will get with my brother in law and have him help me install one. Have a nice weekend. From santaferailroad.