New Atlas N Scale MP15DC

[DeltaBravo]

It is weird about their RS frames not being dcc ready it 2016 already. Atlas might want to consider buying the old Walthers Lifelike design. Worked great and super easy to install the decoder.  As for their customer service, I have found them to be terrific, very helpful the few times I have called them.

[peteski]

Thanks for putting the tutorial together Pete. Most of us feel that we can solder wires, but I always get an additional bit of anxiety when soldering something to a circuit board with IC chips. Worried about overheating them and destroying the board. Adding the wires may also void any warranty as well. But life is about choices, so thanks for providing one!

Best wishes, Dave

I'm glad to be of help. The reasons you feel apprehensive about soldering is exactly why I pretinned the solder pads.  That speeds up soldering the wires. The electronic semiconductor components (which are not really all that  close to the solder pads) are also quite robust when it comes to withstanding heat. You would have to apply more heat than what it takes to melt the solder which attaches them to the circuit board in order to damage them.

As far as voiding the warranty goes, similar pads are provided on that decoder for additional function outputs (like rotary beacon or ditch lights). Does soldering wires to those also voids the warranty?  The top-side motor pads are just another set of pads similar to the extra function pads.

[peteski]

It is weird about their RS frames not being dcc ready it 2016 already. Atlas might want to consider buying the old Walthers Lifelike design. Worked great and super easy to install the decoder.  As for their customer service, I have found them to be terrific, very helpful the few times I have called them.

What does "RS' mean?  This loco is DCC-ready and there are couple of decoders designed specifically for it.  The only way to make it more DCC-ready would be to have the standard 6-pin decoder socket (if there is enough room).  But that type of decoder limits your freedom to add things like rotary beacon.

[wcfn100]

What does "RS' mean?

RS-1, RS-3 and RSD-4/5.


Jason

[peteski]

RS-1, RS-3 and RSD-4/5.

Jason

Oh, I thought this thread was about the MP15. 
But  I do agree that at least a DCC-friendly chassis for the RS locos would be most welcome.

[Missaberoad]

It is weird about their RS frames not being dcc ready it 2016 already. Atlas might want to consider buying the old Walthers Lifelike design. Worked great and super easy to install the decoder.  As for their customer service, I have found them to be terrific, very helpful the few times I have called them.

I believe the reason why the rs frames haven't been updated in the most recent releases is due to the interest in sound at Atlas...
I remember Paul discussing this at some point that due to the success of the S2 they are looking into possibly updating their line to sound ready/equipped...

[DeltaBravo]

I believe the reason why the rs frames haven't been updated in the most recent releases is due to the interest in sound at Atlas...
I remember Paul discussing this at some point that due to the success of the S2 they are looking into possibly updating their line to sound ready/equipped...

That makes sense as Intermountain is coming out with sound equipped locomotives, Atlas needs to stay competitive. It will be interesting to see if Kato and Fox Valley follow suite. Hopefully they will still offer nonsound locos as well.