I plan to replace the Loksound Select decoder in my Atlas S-2 with a Loksound 5.0, which is really superior in sound options, including traction motor sounds and ability to set volumes for each random sound. My question is, would a "Loksound Direct" sound board work (#58821)? After visual inspection, it seems that a 21 pin decoder,#58419 would fit. Any help?
What is the current version of the Select that is in there? If it's the Select Direct, then the 58821 would be a direct replacement. I am pretty sure those Atlas/Athearn form factor boards are too large for that switcher though and what you have now may be a different Select.
Where would the 21 pin plug in? If there is already some sort of motherboard, then that would work, but you would want 58429, unless you really need all those other protocols like mfx in addition to DCC. I do not think a V5 can just plug in to the bottom half of a Select Direct board.
Given the small size of the loco, the 58823 v5 Micro with wires, hard wired in, would be the best option.
Streamlined Backshop has some nice curved speakers that can tuck up under the cab roof as an upgrade.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Okay, this is getting difficult as this is the second time I've changed my response.
Is your s2 a GOLD with the factory DCC/Sound?
I just popped the hood of my ATL Gold S2 with Loksound. It does have a board and a 21 pin plug in decoder....the board being installed upside down from normal because of height restrictions, the decoder is under the board. ATL made one flywheel smaller than the other to accomodate the under-board 21 pin decoder.
The v5 21 pin is the same size as the v4 21 pin, so it should be a straight swap out with no need to get a different board.
Your's may not be a Gold, but a Silver with an aftermarket installation.
If you do not have a LokProgrammer, you will need to make sure that the decoder dealer loads the ALCO sounds onto the v5...otherwise, the decoder might come blank.
The function mapping of the new v5 might not be the same as your ATL GOLD v4, because producers ask decoder manufacturers to map their decoders to mate with the mapping circuitry of the boards.
The headlights, bell, and horn should still work with the same functions as your v4 did beacuse those are pretty standard, but there is no guarantee that any of the functions of the dealer-bought v5 will use the same function keys as your v4, because of the ATL proprietary board. The manual that came with your GOLD S2 should tell you what keys activate what sounds, and that may or may not be the same as a dealer-bought v5.
- Douglas
Given the lack of room under the hood, I would stick with the micro version for your Loksound V5 - i.e. if that's what came with your S2.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Thanks, guys, for your help. My S-2 is an Atlas Gold with Locksound Select and I see it does have a decoder under the Atlas board. I also have a Lokprogrammer since I have Loksound decoders on all my engines. I have upgraded all but the S-2 and one other to 5.0 (micro, normally). I try to standardize the various F keys so that the keys are the same for each engine. It looks like I will be purchasing a 21 pin #58419! Loksound has come a long way since my early 3.5 decoder days! I have three Bowser (Stewart) Baldwin switchers and each has a unique sound, thanks to the accurate sound files from Loksound. My Alco HH600 has a 5.0 micro (replacing the QSI decoder) and really sounds great and performs better! Thanks to all for your help.
58419 is the multi-protocol version, the 58429 is the DCC version, which is likely a little less expensive. Unless you have a reason to need the extra (non-DCC) protocols, the DCC one is all you need. Both 21 pin, same form factor.
Thanks Randy! I called ESU today and confirmed this and have ordered a #58429 from Yankee Dabbler (great discounts and quick shipping). I have the S-2 board ready for the decoder installation and the sound file is downloaded and ready to be loaded into it. Hey, is that the mailman? Ha!