Atlas N scale RS1 decoder options

[TinyTurner]

looking at converting a recent Atlas N scale RS1, so it should not need milling, according to
https://n-scale-dcc.blogspot.com/search/label/Loco%3A%20Atlas%20Classic%20RS1

I have a TCS CN on order, but looking at the arrangement, it seems that a wired install could be achieved with other brands, using the original lighting pcb?

Sorry if this seems obvious, it's my first complete install.
Planning on using 30AWG for motor wires and pickups, all NMRA colour coded, with much finer for lighting.

[Dupesy]

I'm not sure a decoder hardwired into the lightboards instead of replacing them would fit without milling of the frame.  There's very little room between the frame and the shell.  I'm sure someone who knows for sure will chime in.

[peteski]

That decoder install uses the TCS CN decoder which is a special decoder split into two separate boards which replace the original light boards.  While I have not tried to install another decoder in that model I agree with Dupesy that without milling the frame there is likely not enough space under the hood for a decoder while retaining the light boards.  I suppose one possibility would be to place the decoder in the cab (but first you would have to make opening in the hood where the cab is, to be able to route the wires from the chassis to the decoder.

I suppose there might be enough space for a very small decoder in the rear light board cavity (replacing the light board with that decoder) like this decoder: https://sbs4dcc.com/products/esu-59810-lokpilot-5-micro-multi-protocol-dcc-mm-sx-m4-decoder-nem652-8-pin-wired-plug.html .  Cut off the decoder's connector and use the wires.  Then leave the front light board to tap the track power and for the headlight. For the rear headlight you could wire a small SMD LED and resistor directly to the decoder and just glue that assembly to the decoder.

Is there is a reason you do not want to use the TCS CN decoder?

[Sumner]

I did a first gen RS-1 with a wired decoder (not a fan of the CN decoders, basically because I'm cheap and an ESU would now be my choice) with a Digitrax DTZ126t and...



.... milled the frame in the area shown above .....

https://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Decoder-1/page-4.html

Then did a 2nd gen with a $12 Lias decoder and ...



.... also milled the frame.  You are going to probably still need to do a little milling if you want clearance for the motor wires.  I have a mill but mostly use...



... a saw (above) or a....

Dremel type tool as shown above.  Here is the link to the 2nd gen. 

https://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Decoder-1/page-5.html

Nice to get comfortable milling if one is planning on doing many installs.

Sumner

[TinyTurner]

The main reason is I was told once, is that each motor in a model performs differently with various decoders, so I wondered about different ways to go about installs, especially to temporarily fit a decoder for testing purposes. 
This might not matter after all with good decoders and tuning options?

The other point to make is that AE and Trainomatic decoders are well regarded for the price, but I have to play with them yet.

[peteski]

I'm not experienced with those decoders (or know their dimensions) but I do suspect that the ESU decoder I mentioned earlier would fit in the rear light board area (with the light board removed). I also find prices of ESU decoder not to excessive.  Actually there are ZIMO brand decoders which are as small as the ESU LokPilot micro.  Yes, those are advanced decoders with lots of engine tuning settings.

[jwaldo]

I've put TCS CN/CN-GP decoders in lots of my locos and I like them. They work perfectly fine with the stock Atlas/Kato motors, and the drop-in-ish design is a godsend for someone like me with a whole fleet of older locos. Their main drawback is that they seem to be a little bit finicky about power pickup; my CN-GP locos are always the first to start fussing on dirty track.

One additional caveat for future readers: TCS decoders work wonderfully with cored 3/5 pole motors, but the one time I did convert a loco with a TCS M4 decoder to a coreless motor, the M4 struggled with it enough that I plan to convert that loco to an ESU decoder at its next maintenance date. They've added coreless motor support to their sound decoders, but the non-sound ones are still SOL.

[TinyTurner]

I suppose stay alive caps could be fitted to keep TCS CN going on dirty spots?
I sourced a few tantalum caps to make a bank.  Might have to fit in the cab.
I also have plans to install tramfabriek motors in some models, so have to watch out for that.