ESU v5 Micro Direct into Atlas U25B

[freedj]

I just received my v5 Micro Direct and popped open my factory lentz equipped Atlas Classic U25B.  On my model the Lug spacing won't work for a drop in installation.  The chassis is stamped 1998 Atlas.

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I have the chassis, lentz decoder, and ESU decoder all lined up on the front tab looking at the bottom of the decoders where the motor contacts the board.
The ECU Decoder is too wide to fit into the frame in the yellow circle and the motor pads don't line up / are not big enough.

I am considering griding away the frame in the yellow section and continuing to use the front tab to locate the decoder and provide frame contact. 
I'll need to solder wires to the motor contacts and to the brush connectors to complete the project.  I was really hoping for a more drop in installation based on v4 installations that I saw.

It looks like there will be room on top of the chassis in the back for the speaker, but I have not test fit that yet.

I am not afraid to tackle the project, but if there is a better way to tackle this please let me know!  Am i better off waiting for the nano hardwire?

[Steveruger45]

I just received my v5 Micro Direct and popped open my factory lentz equipped Atlas Classic U25B.  On my model the Lug spacing won't work for a drop in installation.  The chassis is stamped 1998 Atlas.

(Attachment Link)

I have the chassis, lentz decoder, and ESU decoder all lined up on the front tab looking at the bottom of the decoders where the motor contacts the board.
The ECU Decoder is too wide to fit into the frame in the yellow circle and the motor pads don't line up / are not big enough.

I am considering griding away the frame in the yellow section and continuing to use the front tab to locate the decoder and provide frame contact. 
I'll need to solder wires to the motor contacts and to the brush connectors to complete the project.  I was really hoping for a more drop in installation based on v4 installations that I saw.

It looks like there will be room on top of the chassis in the back for the speaker, but I have not test fit that yet.

I am not afraid to tackle the project, but if there is a better way to tackle this please let me know!  Am i better off waiting for the nano hardwire?

Here is a photo of a lokpilot v4 I installed in one of these locos three or four years ago.
This decoder has the same footprint.
I hardwired the motor to the decoder pads and applied tape over the frame to prevent short possibilities with the decoder after filing the top part over the motor to accept the decoder width in that location.
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[freedj]

Here is a photo of a lokpilot v4 I installed in one of these locos three or four years ago.
This decoder has the same footprint.
I hardwired the motor to the decoder pads and applied tape over the frame to prevent short possibilities with the decoder after filing the top part over the motor to accept the decoder width in that location.

It looks like you filed down the top of the chassis as well, am I seeing that correctly?

[Steveruger45]

It looks like you filed down the top of the chassis as well, am I seeing that correctly?

Yep.  Done this type of install on several atlas locos including b40-8.

[freedj]

I’m not proud of my milling job, but it’s in and working!

I cut a bit too far when doing the milling for the board and when I was dressing it with my file I pushed too hard and broke through on of the frame halves. It still seemed plenty rigid though.

I fiddled with it for a while to see if I could get the motor / board contact strips to work, but in the end I just soldered wires like we talked about.

The part that scares me is getting the shell on and off without breaking it,  it was nerve wracking stock, and with two ply of kapton  tape it’s even tighter!  The cab and main shell and walkways always seem to get stuck at different points and start separating! 

It chooches though!  Now I’ve got to dive into the manual and get it setup. It’s got a rotary beacon running now that the shell doesn’t have. :0

[Steveruger45]

Glad you got it done.
Post some photos of the modifications and decoder/speaker install and a video of it running.