HI all, Just picked up my new Atlas GP38-2 in BNSF about a week ago. It's a really nice unit and once given a little break-in time runs good! Mine is dcc-sound ready and is really quiet and put together very well. What I like is that if I ever do switch over to dcc and sound all I need is just the decoder right? Also just wondering if anyone else here has one yet and what they thought. Now just waiting on my Kato SD70ACe also in BNSF with the lower headlight to arrive. Thanks, Ralph
My Understanding was you would have to purchase a decoder for DCC or a sound decoder/speaker combo for DCC/Sound. so I guess yes is your answer..
You will also need to work out the speaker install. As I show in this thread for installing an ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct decoder,https://www.trainboard.com/highball...select-direct-install-in-atlas-gp38-2.116466/ there is a tiny bit of milling required at the rear for ensuring sufficient room, and a customized enclosure to maximize size. Keystones Details shop on Shapeways has a printed enclosure based on my initial work in the thread.
Are you sure about that? I haven't seen one of those myself, but according to Spookshow http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlasgp3840.html even the non-sound unit will come with a speaker installed. If so, the OP will only need to swap the PC board to upgrade his model to DCC with or without sound.
Just got mine. Must be best N scale sound units yet. MU together nicely, creep at speed step 1 right out of the box, both bell and horn sound a bit clearer and crisper than other sound units I have (an Atlas 630, IM SD40-2, and ST C-44-9)
Or you could buy an MRC drop sound decoder for the Atlas. I didn't have the know how to mill my frame so opted for that. https://www.modelrectifier.com/product-p/0001812.htm
Thanks everyone. So if I ever take a leap into DCC/Sound, just need only a sound decoder. I agree about the running quality, I believe even the "base model" like mine runs more smooth than older chassis did. Thanks again Ralph
Correct, the only current sound decoder (that I am aware of) that will fit, without modifications and use the included speaker, is the ESU 73199 LokSound Select Direct Micro
Is this the Atlas Master series GP38-2? I knew that the Classic had the older non-DCC Kato Chassis and the later one was DCC Ready but never knew about the "newer" chassis.
...Still waiting for Atlas to come out with a sound-equipped Geep in UP post-2000 lightning stripe scheme...
Does anyone know if on the new Atlas GP38 DCC Sound there are any perforations under the tank for the speaker? Or is the speaker above the chassis? Thanks.
On the site I linked above, Spookshow says this: Note that speaker holes in the fuel tank are not provided (and not really required since the speaker is positioned such that sound projects upward rather than downward). You can find almost anything you want to know about n-scale engines there.
Contrary to what seems like common sense, my experience with N scale installs is that you need no perforations or openings in the shell or fuel tank to "let the sound out". In fact, my experience is, the more enclosed the speaker, the better (plus the speaker itself needs an enclosure on one side). I know of a few others who do a lot of sound installs that would agree.
I got mine the other day. Kind of made me upset,,did not fire right up. The board was not making contact with the frame. So I had to do some adjusting. Luckily I was not in the mood to use a BFH. Big Fâââ- Hammer. I am satisfied with the sound quality, I really do not see the need to mill the frame for a under board speaker install. Just wish the stock headlights were brighter. Greg