Does anyone have advice on how to add a decoder to an HO scale Atlas Train Master NRE Genset? There is an eight pin connection in the board, however there is no room under the shell. I have a DZ125PS but the shell seems to get caught on the eight pin plug. I was thinking of take the board off and plugging the decoder in through the bottom, since there seem to be more room under the shell. Thoughts?
I had no problem at all when installing a SoundTraxx MC1H102P8 decoder into an Atlas NRE Genset, because this decoder is so small that it fits with room to spare.
My most recent task was to install one of the new Tsunami Genset sound decoders into it. This required removal of the Atlas circuit board, but it was relatively easy to accomplish.
Looking on the Digitrax site at that particular decoder, the 8 pin plug does look pretty thick. Maybe replacing it with a narrower profile plug may work. NCE, Soundtraxx, and others make 8 pin plugs (just the plugs are avail for purchase). Or you could cut off the wires and solder them directly into the holes in the board where the plug would put them. Or you could get another decoder with a lower profile that would allow the shell to clear. I had a NCE N14IP in mine that fit great before I replaced it with the new Soundtraxx Tsunami.
Hope it helps,
Brad
Looks like you are going to use a Digitrax decoder. I used a TCS decoder and found it a snap to install. See this link.
Slowly building a layout since 2007!