Has anybody installed a Micro-Tsunami decoder into an older HO Atlas RS-3?
How difficult is it?
Is there a link somewhere that shows how to do it.
Thanks
CN1762
Why are you using the TSU-750 decoder?
You should be able to install a TSU-AT1000 board and have more amps to drive the unit and it lights.
Can't speak for the OP, but it's a lot easier to get a -750 in an RS3 than it is to get a full size Tsunami in there. Provided the motor is well broken in, the RS3 should be OK with the -750.
I will say that a few of us who are over on the narrowgauge Dark Side have experienced heat issues with the -750 when run at the typical 14.5 volts that many DCC systems put out. When many of us invested in the awesome Blackstone HOn3 C-19 class locos, we decided that turned down the voltage is a good idea. I run at 12.5 volts. The side benefit is that it dims train lighting appropriately for the narrowgauge. And you don't have to go down to 12.5 volts, as even knocking just a volt off system voltage results in cool running. YMMV, but just wanted to through that out since it was mentioned.
Here's a link to the horse's mouth on an install, just with the TSU-1000. So it can be done. I'll bet a -750 requires a much smaller crowbar.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/documents/appnotes/Atlas 20RS3.pdf
Yes, if you need more lighting functions, you may also need the -1000, as I think it has 4, where the -750 has only 3?
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I agree with replacing the Atlas board with a Tsunami AT1000. The Tsunami Micro is notorious for running hot. If it's not heatsinked properly (or run at a lower voltage as suggested above) you're just looking for potential issues. There isn't much breathing room in an RS3.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
One of the new LokSound Select Micro decoders may be a better choice.
http://www.esu.eu/en/products/loksound/loksound-select-micro/
I've never used one, but have read that they don't suffer from the overheating problem that Tsunami has.
A Tsunami TSU-750 has only two lighting functions. It is only rated for a 3/4 amp load on the motor.
The TSU-AT1000 will have 4 lighting functions plus it is rated at a full 1 amp for the motor load.
The AT board will be a bit more friendly to install I would think. The biggest challenge is to get a speaker installed.
While not an Atlas, I just put a Soundtraxx AT-1000 in a Bachmann RS-3.