RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DECODERS FOR TWO DIESELS

[grayfox1119]

  I have just purchased an Athearn RTR ( 9 pin socket ) GP35, and an Atlas (Classic series ) S-4. I was wondering what decoders would be advisable for these locos for power and sound. Both are HO scale.

Thank you in advance,

[tstage]

Dick, 

Sorry I don't have any particular decoder recommendations for you.  However, make sure for your S4 you get a decoder that has BEMF (or Back EMF), so that it starts out slooooooowly.  I like my switchers to crawl.

Tom 

[tstage]

Dick, 

FWIW: Since there isn't much room under the hood, I have a Lenz LE0521W Micro (N-scale) decoder installed in my Proto 2000 S1 and it works just fine.  It's not a "silent running" decoder but it's quiet enough.

What I like about the smaller decoder is that I don't have to hog out any material in order to fit it in.  At least with the Atlas S4, you won't have to isolate the motor from the frame.

Tom

[nbrodar]

I use TCS decoders.

For the Athearn, any of the T series decoders will plug right in to the JST harness in the loco.  

The Atlas unit takes an solder in M1.  Complete install instructions can be found here.

Nick 

[garya]

  At least with the Atlas S4, you won't have to isolate the motor from the frame.

Tom

I thought one did need to isolate the motor from the frame with an Atlas S4.  There is an NCE decoder, ATLS4.  I comes with Kapton tape and a Plastic screw for isolating the motor.

MRC has a sound decoder, MRC 1663. 

[grayfox1119]

I am looking for ONE decoder for each of these two locos, motor control AND sound on one decoder. QSI is due to have one within 4 weeks now that a patent argument has been settled, and this one is supposed to be Ok for the GP35, but according to Tony there may be a "fit" problem for the S4. I don't want to try to install two decoders into the S4 unless that is my only option. Trying to fit a motor control decoder and a sound decoder, and a small oval speaker into that S4 cavity will be a challenge. Thanks Tom et al for your suggestions, I have checked out what you guys have mentioned, and I may be forced to go the 2 decoder route if that winds up being my only option. Life in the MRR world is never easy is it ? LOL

[garya]

I am looking for ONE decoder for each of these two locos, motor control AND sound on one decoder.

To clarify, the MRC 1663 decoder is sound and motor control in one. See http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=999002951&cat=205&page=1

for more information. It replaces the Atlas light board. I'm toying with getting one, based on the video linked to the installation pictures.

[markalan]

I'm working on a Proto 2000 S3.  I've got it apart and can see I can fit a Lok Micro and it's speaker inside.  That may be a good option for you to consider.

Mark Alan 

[grayfox1119]

Gary: Thank you for your input, much appreciated, however, I would not touch an MRC decoder with a 10 foot pole. They have a high failure rate, there is a problem also with programming them. Check some of the the inputs on the Atlas S2 thread on this page, and others as well. I am still awaiting a reply from QSI, they have not responded to my email several days ago.