Author Topic: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7  (Read 2004 times)

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RBrodzinsky

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ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« on: March 01, 2020, 02:15:25 PM »
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Continuing work for the same friend with my other recent Atlas installs, I just completed this install for him in a newly acquired Atlas SD7, Minneapolis & St Louis #952.  This is one of the easiest locos to add the 73100 board to, as it fits without frame modification, and no milling is required even to provide space for the speaker.

First the video (includes some install photos)

Here is a shot of the stock frame, with stock DC board.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the frame is flat over the trucks, both in front and rear.
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One could use the speaker enclosure available from Shapeways / Keystone Details (by @Lemosteam ) for the Atlas GP38-2/40, but there is even more space on this frame, as shown, but there is enough space to make an even larger enclosure, for fuller sound, by shortening the panhandle (by 1/8") and adding 3/32" more length.

(Keystone Details Enclosure / DC board)
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(Styrene enclosure / ESU board / Soberton 8x12mm speaker)
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Overall length of enclosure is 1.187", height is 0.1755" and panhandle height is 0.0945" and its length is 0.22". Extending the length also allows less overhand of the decoder over the speaker.

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I could have gone with a 9x16mm speaker, but chose to stay with the 8x12, for the enclosure volume (I think you will agree with the depth of sound in the video).

With the speaker so close to the decoder, chose to place a 1206 warm white SMD LED for the rear light. Used one of the included LEDs for the front.

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The contact pads at the front (to the rear of the capacitor bank) are used for track power, the rear pads really don't make contact.  The kapton tape was applied more for my own peace of mind, the frame does not contact the board.  Not shown, remember to make sure the motor leads, which make contact under the board, also don't contact the frame;  the left lead, in particular, is prone to.  I slip a small length of 3/64" shrink tubing (don't heat it), to sheath the lead.

As with other locos for this person, no capacitors, but there is plenty of room in the front (with the high hood).

Rick Brodzinsky
Chief Engineer - JACALAR Railroad
Silicon Valley FreeMo-N

carlso

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2020, 04:06:31 PM »
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Rick,

Very nice, clean install. Very well done! I agree the 8x12 sounds nice and rich.

Carl

PS: I meant to ask if it would be good to put short pieces of wire between motor tabs and
            decoder pads, soldered of course for positive contact?
« Last Edit: March 01, 2020, 07:01:08 PM by carlso »
Carl Sowell
El Paso, Texas

Steveruger45

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2020, 05:46:46 PM »
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Sounds great Rick.
I’m working on a Lifelike GP38-2.  The one that had the slide in light board but not the motor contacts.
Steve

Lemosteam

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2020, 07:22:29 PM »
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@RBrodzinsky , so this is for a straight up atlas gp38? I can whip that up in no time. You want this for the 8x11? I will use your dimensions.

RBrodzinsky

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2020, 07:35:11 PM »
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@RBrodzinsky , so this is for a straight up atlas gp38? I can whip that up in no time. You want this for the 8x11? I will use your dimensions.

For an SD7, not GP38.  Who knows the next time I will work on one of these, so no hurry. The hardest part about making the styrene enclosures is when the tip of the xacto blade catches on something on the cutting mat, snapping the blade...  :facepalm: Well, and this time it was warm, but I had left the window closed, and the cement fumes got to me.   :o
Rick Brodzinsky
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kwledbetter

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2020, 09:45:11 AM »
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Rick if you don't mind me asking what solvent do you use on your styrene.  Excellent install as usual and I wish all frames were made like that!  Sure is nice not having to modify one!

Lemosteam

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2020, 10:09:19 AM »
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For an SD7, not GP38.  Who knows the next time I will work on one of these, so no hurry. The hardest part about making the styrene enclosures is when the tip of the xacto blade catches on something on the cutting mat, snapping the blade...  :facepalm: Well, and this time it was warm, but I had left the window closed, and the cement fumes got to me.   :o

Ah, my mistake- so many mentions of the other loco I got confused!

John

jdcolombo

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2020, 10:43:29 AM »
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Great work as usual, Rick.

Added to master list.

John C.

RBrodzinsky

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2020, 10:50:47 AM »
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Rick if you don't mind me asking what solvent do you use on your styrene.  Excellent install as usual and I wish all frames were made like that!  Sure is nice not having to modify one!

I use the Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, which is acetone and butyl acetate.  For thicker construction, I will use MEK.   I also seal around the speaker with UV-cured Bondic, ensuring no air gaps.
« Last Edit: March 02, 2020, 11:34:16 PM by RBrodzinsky »
Rick Brodzinsky
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kwledbetter

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2020, 11:22:47 PM »
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Thanks,  assume you mean speaker and not decoder that you seal around for "airtightness".

RBrodzinsky

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Re: ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct Install into Atlas SD7
« Reply #10 on: March 02, 2020, 11:34:48 PM »
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Thanks,  assume you mean speaker and not decoder that you seal around for "airtightness".

Yep, thanks for catching that (I’ve fixed it)
Rick Brodzinsky
Chief Engineer - JACALAR Railroad
Silicon Valley FreeMo-N