Loksound 5 Select micro dimensions

[narrowminded]

Looking for confirmation of dimensions on the select direct micro.  Their site says 10.6 x 25 x 3.8.  Another of their references says 25 x 10, not 10.6.  My question becomes whether the 10.6 width is with the insulating sleeve or without, just the bare board?  It's for an install with a 10.16  width available in the shell.

[jdcolombo]

Hi Mark.

Rick Brodzinsky posted measurements in a thread here somewhere.

I just measured one with my digital calipers that I'm installing in an HO-scale GP7.  10.4mm without the wrap (this was measured at the front, after I removed the wrap to release the Next18 adapter board and gain access to the side pads); 10.6mm with the wrap (actually, 10.63 at the widest, 10.58 at the narrowest).

John C.

[narrowminded]

Hi Mark.

Rick Brodzinsky posted measurements in a thread here somewhere.

I just measured one with my digital calipers that I'm installing in an HO-scale GP7.  10.4mm without the wrap (this was measured at the front, after I removed the wrap to release the Next18 adapter board and gain access to the side pads); 10.6mm with the wrap (actually, 10.63 at the widest, 10.58 at the narrowest).

John C.

Thanks, John.  I tried a search and drew a blank.  So close but so far away.  

Maybe some machining will be needed.  The shell wall seams to be around .037" so should be able to survive .010" or so removed. 

[tehachapifan]

Why they didn't make it even slightly narrower is baffling to me.

[RBrodzinsky]

On this page: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=46528.75

And to be a bit pedantic, it is a LokSound 5 Micro - there are no Select decoders in series 5

[peteski]

While I'm a big fan of ESU decoders, there are smaller or narrower decoders out there.  I think that Digitrax DZ126T and TCS Z2 are probably narrower, and CT Elektonik (in Austria) has some really small decoders (although pricey, but I heard they are really good).

[tehachapifan]

I'm assuming he's talking sound decoders, which is of course far more limited with options.

[peteski]

I'm assuming he's talking sound decoders, which is of course far more limited with options.

 

Duh! 
I could say that I didn't have my cup of coffee yet and missed the "sound" part, but I don't drink coffee, so no excuses. 

[peteski]

Looking for confirmation of dimensions on the select direct micro.  Their site says 10.6 x 25 x 3.8.  Another of their references says 25 x 10, not 10.6.  My question becomes whether the 10.6 width is with the insulating sleeve or without, just the bare board?  It's for an install with a 10.16  width available in the shell.

I've seen some installs the decoder is installed at an angle if it is slightly too wide to lay flat.  Not sure if that would be an option for you?

[Steveruger45]

That’s how I put a Loksound select micro in a Atlas Sd50.  Rear shelf area I filed the frames on a bias.

[tehachapifan]

That’s how I put a Loksound select micro in a Atlas Sd50.  Rear shelf area I filed the frames on a bias.

What's the minimum angle for doing this? I've never tried it, but I've eyeballed it and estimated you need to go pretty close to 45 degrees to overcome board thickness and components near the edge.

[Steveruger45]

Hi Russ,
I wasn’t that scientific with it.  I just filed the left Frame down as low as I could and angled the file up.
The decoder is still a tight fit.
Here is a photo,
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[narrowminded]

I've seen some installs the decoder is installed at an angle if it is slightly too wide to lay flat.  Not sure if that would be an option for you?

I just ordered five of them from Bryan.  I have FA's, RS-3's, multiple steamers, etc to do.  Even if I can't make them work for this immediate application I will use them, and more, before it's all done.  Thanks all for the help.

[peteski]

I just ordered five of them from Bryan.  I have FA's, RS-3's, multiple steamers, etc to do.  Even if I can't make them work for this immediate application I will use them, and more, before it's all done.  Thanks all for the help.

You might be able to file the sides down a little after removing the clear wrap.  The glass/epoxy circuit board can be filed easily. If you use PC Board ties, you likely already know that.  Just be very cautious not to damage any internal traces close to the edge - these are multi-layer boards.  I usually place the circuit board against strong light source to try to see the internal traces.

I have done this operation successfully in the past.

[narrowminded]

You might be able to file the sides down a little after removing the clear wrap.  The glass/epoxy circuit board can be filed easily. If you use PC Board ties, you likely already know that.  Just be very cautious not to damage any internal traces close to the edge - these are multi-layer boards.  I usually place the circuit board against strong light source to try to see the internal traces.

I have done this operation successfully in the past.

If the dimensions are right it's about .010" per side that I'd be looking for.  Getting some in my hands will give me the last word.