Atlas n scale GP-7-- DCC compatible?

[archangelo]

I'm just starting out in DCC, and have lots to learn.  At a recent flea market, I picked up an n scale Atlas GP-7 (the patent date on the bottom is 1995).  Is it possible to install a decoder in this locomotive?

Web research produces mixed and/or contradictory results.  Anyone out there have specific experience w/ this unit?

Thanks!

jmo

[jagged ben]

There have been quite a few versions of the Atlas GP-7.

See http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlasgp79.html
And confirm which one you've got.

If it's stamped 1995 it's probably not suitable for a 'plug and play' decoder.  However it's not super difficult, as these things go, to hardwire a decoder.  The TCS CN series is one option that requires less difficult wiring than others.

[Ron McF]

Is it possible to install a decoder in this locomotive?

I've installed DZ125s in more than a dozen of these GP7s (the "1995" version), using the technique described here:
http://raybob.boche.net/dcc/page704.htm

(Robert used a different decoder, but the process is exactly the same.)

Brad Myers shows how to do the job using a TCS CN-GP decoder here:
http://n-scale-dcc.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/tcs-cn-gp-in-atlas-gp7.html

Regards,
Ron

[djconway]

If you have never done one it is not that hard.
The newer decoder series like the Digitrax DZ125 and newer smaller decoders are excellent for this loco.
There is even a manufacturer that makes a decoder that replaces the light boards NCE(?)

I have about 10 of these locos converted back in 1996 with a verity of decoders DN93FX --> DZ125 all work well.

If you are hesitant about cutting the frames - Aztec will mill framed for a very reasonable price. http://www.aztectrains.com

[kevinrr]

I certainly hope it is, because I have a fistful of GP7s and GP9s that I intend to convert to DCC.

John Colombo puts SOUND in these things

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31981.0

and I'll shortly be following his lead.

[peteski]

I picked up an n scale Atlas GP-7 (the patent date on the bottom is 1995).  Is it possible to install a decoder in this locomotive?

Web research produces mixed and/or contradictory results.  Anyone out there have specific experience w/ this unit?

Mark's website provides some info (on the 1995 version) http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlasgp79.html
Looks like TCS CN decoders should work in these http://tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Products/Decoders/N-Scale/ClassicN/CN-Series.htm

[jdcolombo]

I certainly hope it is, because I have a fistful of GP7s and GP9s that I intend to convert to DCC.

John Colombo puts SOUND in these things

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31981.0

and I'll shortly be following his lead.

Well, just to make sure the record is correct, my GP7 sound installation was in the current version, which is designed for a drop-in decoder.   But I've also done the RS3, which is not decoder-ready, and also a 1995-vintage GP9.   The basic process is the same, but you have to cut the "center channel" in the frame of these units (in the decoder-ready ones, the "center channel" is already cut for the drop-in board) to hold all the wiring.   If you want to get a sense of how you'd modify the frame for an older non-decoder-ready unit, take a look at my RS3 tutorial.

Doing a non-sound DCC conversion of an older Atlas geep is pretty much a snap with the TCS units cited in this thread. 

John C.

[robert3985]

I'm just starting out in DCC, and have lots to learn.  At a recent flea market, I picked up an n scale Atlas GP-7 (the patent date on the bottom is 1995).  Is it possible to install a decoder in this locomotive?

Web research produces mixed and/or contradictory results.  Anyone out there have specific experience w/ this unit?

Thanks!

jmo

I don't know why there'd be contradictions.  Here's a photo of one of my "old" Atlas Geeps I DCC-ized a couple of years ago using the TCS CN decoder.  Works great and was easy to install but loco chassis has to be diassembled to do it.  Not a big deal IMHO.  You'll note the build-date on this chassis is 1995, so either the TCS CN or the TCS CN GP decoder will work for your older Geep.



The only thing I don't like about the TCS decoder is the LED is too blue and doesn't look anything like an older incandescent bulb.

[peteski]

The only thing I don't like about the TCS decoder is the LED is too blue and doesn't look anything like an older incandescent bulb.

Replace them with Richmond Controls "sunny white" 0603 SMD LEDs. Pricey, but they have the correct color.

[wm3798]

Or buy an orange Sharpie marker for $1.98 and "color in" the LED.



Warms it right up.  No soldering required.

Lee