Has anyone tried an ESU LokSound Micro Direct (73100 ) in Atlas GP38-2 yet?

[RBrodzinsky]

Been asked about adding a LokSound to an older style Atlas GP38-2.  Was wondering if anyone has tried the new 73100 board in one of these.  It looks like it should work, but always nice to ask before spending money and cutting metal.

Thanks

[peteski]

Been asked about adding a LokSound to an older style Atlas GP38-2.  Was wondering if anyone has tried the new 73100 board in one of these.  It looks like it should work, but always nice to ask before spending money and cutting metal.

Thanks

I have not. When I post my technical write-up about this decoder (hopefully in few more days) I will also mention few things about about this decoder's design I'm worried about.

[DKS]

I'm worried about on this decoder.

Worried about... what? Don't leave us hanging like that!

[peteski]

Worried about... what? Don't leave us hanging like that!

Be patient grasshopper . . . .

Well ok, there is only 1 thing that worries my fastidious mind (and I do not have any locos handy for test fitting the decoder), and one design feature that could have been done better.
 

[DKS]

I'm worried about on this decoder.

Read the sentence.

[woodone]

I just installed one in a Kato ES44AC unit. I had to modify the frame so the decoder would drop in. You have very little room for fitting a speaker.
Got an Atlas GP38-2 sitting around here some place- Will take a look to see how these might fit.
I destroyed one board thinking I could remove some the frame contact area on the first board.
Thought the pad could be shortened and found that the board is multi layered LIKE 6 layers?     

[peteski]

Read the sentence.

  Fixed!
Two things going against me:   English is my 2nd language, and the main problem: it is before 3pm so I'm still half asleep. My brain thinks something different than what my fingers are typing.

[woodone]

Rick.
My GP38-2 ended up being an Proto locomotive. Looks very much like an Atlas. Looks like you can install the decoder, but it will only make frame to decoder contact at the rear tabs unless Atlas is much different than the Proto. Speaker is going to be the hold up. Not too much room.
I usually use a 9 X 16 speaker,  but that looks iffy here.

[DKS]

  Fixed!
Two things going against me:   English is my 2nd language, and the main problem: it is before 3pm so I'm still half asleep. My brain thinks something different than what my fingers are typing.

It shows...

I will also mention few things about about this decoder's design I'm worried about.

 

[RBrodzinsky]

Yeah, just about anything is going to be a tight fit for a speaker. Pretty sure there is enough room for an 8x12, with a bit of milling.   A Select Micro shouldn't be an issue, if we have to go that route.

@peteski , thanks -- am looking forward to your analysis.

[woodone]

The select directs are a bit more easy to fit into the loco's. No need for grinding on the insides of the shell has the decoder is not any wider than the frame. A 8 X 12 should fit good. You might get a bit bigger via more depth in the enclosure via milling out some material over the rear truck.
Take photos - Right!

[RBrodzinsky]

The select directs are a bit more easy to fit into the loco's. No need for grinding on the insides of the shell has the decoder is not any wider than the frame. A 8 X 12 should fit good. You might get a bit bigger via more depth in the enclosure via milling out some material over the rear truck.
Take photos - Right!

Whichever I do, photos will be shared.  This project won't even start until at least mid to late April.