Which decoder for Atlas upgraded SD50 frame

[Smike]

I’m having a heck of a time trying to figure out which decoder will work with the new frame in the Atlas SD50 (it has 4 contact tabs on the top of the motor) The Digitrax DN163A1 is for the old frame.

Any idea’s appreciated!

[Steveruger45]

If it is this frame, then it is designed for the Loksound 73199 decoder. The four contacts on top of the motor are two fro the motor and two for the speaker that goes in the tank.
A lokpilot micro 54650 has the same footprint as the 73199 so will be a plug and play install.


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[Sharky_McSharknose]

Digitrax also makes a decoder for the Atlas and Intermountain LokSound chassis.

Digitrax DN166I3 = https://www.digitrax.com/products/mobile-decoders/dn166i3/

[Smike]

Perfect, thank you both. Yes, that’s it, the IM and Atlas are the same for the Lok Sound, don’t need sound so that Digitrax one should work.

[peteski]

Perfect, thank you both. Yes, that’s it, the IM and Atlas are the same for the Lok Sound, don’t need sound so that Digitrax one should work.

I highly recommend the non-sound ESU decoder - much better motor control than Digitrax (but yes, a bit more pricey).  Well worth it IMO.
LokPilot micro 54650 (if you can still find them).

[Steveruger45]

Yankee dabbler has the lokpilots fro less than $30
https://yankeedabbler.com/54650-new-n-scale-esu-54650-lokpilot-v4-0-micro-direct-oem-nmra-dcc-decoder-part-esu-54650/

[peteski]

Yankee dabbler has the lokpilots fro less than $30
https://yankeedabbler.com/54650-new-n-scale-esu-54650-lokpilot-v4-0-micro-direct-oem-nmra-dcc-decoder-part-esu-54650/

WOW! That comparable to the Digitrax price, and ESU is a vastly superior decoder.

[Steveruger45]

WOW! That comparable to the Digitrax price, and ESU is a vastly superior decoder.

Yep, I agree completely.  Plus, the lokpilots play very well with the loksound decoders and you can match the start-to-roll delay too, which is a big reason why I use them.

Anyhow, Smike has a couple of plug and play options now.