Railcommand Reciever Boards

[armchair]

 I just bought a couple Atlas 8-40cw engines. What are the easiest boards to install in these ? I have some skinny boards on hand. The boards are getting hard to come by. Also are the motor capacitors really needed ? I know there are several railcommander pros out there, thanks for Your help..Armchair..........

[Texas Zepher]

I've never seen the inside of an Atlas 8-40Cw, but assuming it is like most of their other locomotives I would first try the POWER1.  I always try the POWER1 first.   If that is too long to fit, then I would go for the KAT1.  It is interesting that the CVP site recommends a MINI for the U33C!?

If you go without the motor capacitors, the motor brushes can get burnt easier and there can be some funny behavior. Through the years, I've run many locomotives without the capacitors.

BTW - I don't know if you realize or not but the POWER1 also has a place to add a "life saver" capacitor like the new Lenz DCC gold decoders do.  This will carry a Railcommand locomotive over a dead section of track. 

The boards are not getting hard to come by, they can still be purchased from CVP.   I also have a pile (at least 30) sitting down in my basement. 

[armchair]

 Texas Zephyr. Thanks for the info. I bought the last 4 boards CVP had yesterday.They told me they couldn't afford to make a production run & then sit on them. I DO use the caps. on the motors as Your already there anyway and it's easy to install them. I have not installed any of the power 1 boards. I did install some Kat1 boards and a couple of skinnys. Another question, have You used the BULBS CVP sells? I was wondering how much heat they generate. Also can You clip the lights off the Kat1 boards & use these bulbs or an led without a resister? I was wondering how many volts the Kat1 board lights are. Again, thanks for Your help. Armchair........

[Texas Zepher]

Another question, have You used the BULBS CVP sells?

Yes I have used them, but I generally don't.  I much prefer 1.5V bulbs or golden glow LEDs with resistors because of your next question.....

I was wondering how much heat they generate.

a lot.   I've melted body shells with them.

Also can You clip the lights off the Kat1 boards & use these bulbs or an led without a resister?

yes for the bulbs, no for an LED.  Do calculations for 1.5V bulbs and LEDs using a track voltage of 17.5V.  That is 15VDC and 2.5V command signal.

I was wondering how many volts the Kat1 board lights are.

18V.  The boards lamp outputs are the same as track voltage of 17.5V.

[armchair]

 Thanks again for the info Texas Zepher. I also enjoyed Your web site. The web to our club uptown is : www.mexicotrains.com  in case You haven't visited before. I am a fairly new member, it's a lot different than being alone in the hobby. Have a great day ! armchair..........