Atlas Trainman EMD GP38-2Tsunami Digital Sound Decoder Installation Notes

OverviewThis application note describes how to install a TSU-AT1000 digital sound decoder into an Atlas Trainman HO EMD GP38-2.

Skill Level 3: One to three hours installation requiring working in tight places and some minimal modifications to the model.

Bill of MaterialsP.N. Description

828048 TSU-AT1000 for EMD 645 Non-Turbo810113 16mm x 35mm Oval Speaker

Evergreen P.N.

9030 0.030” Sheet Styrene

For your convenience, Evergreen Part numbers have been listed above. Please visit their website at www.evergreenscalemodels.com.

Tools You Will Need■ 25W Soldering Iron■ Rosin Core Solder■ Wire Strippers■ Wire Cutters■ X-Acto Knife■ Miniature Screwdriver Set■ #55 Miniature Drill Bit■ Pin Vise or Electric Drill■ Aquarium Sealant / Silicone■ Liquid Plastic Cement (Tenax 7R or equivalent)

■ Insulative Electrical Tape■ Double-Sided Foam Tape■ Masking Tape■ Small Pliers■ Heat Gun or Blow Dryer■ 30-32 Gauge Wire■ Miniature Saw for Plastics■ Metal and Plastic Files■ Milling Machine or Metal Hacksaw*■ Metal Straight Edge■ Dial Calipers

*If a milling machine is not handy, or for professional milling, contact Jack Hutchens in Colorado Springs, CO at (719) 651-6528 or jackhutchens@gmail.com

Installation1. Begin by removing the couplers and coupler

boxes. Unscrew the screws located in the center of the boxes and gently pull the coupler boxes out from each end. (Photo 1)

2. Lift off the locomotive shell. (Photo 2)

3. Pull the lights out of the weights on each end. (Photo 3)

4. The rear track pickup wires are routed through a notch on either side of the rear weight. Spread the rear track pickup wires out and away from the rear weight. Remove the screw from the end holding the rear weight in place and then remove the weight. (Photo 4)

5. The weight used on this model was professionally milled by Jack Hutchens. His contact information has been listed on the fi rst page of this document for your convenience.

Measure approximately 1/2” down from the top and mark the weight. This is where to cut the weight to fi t the speaker. Cut across the weight at the mark with a hacksaw or milling machine. (Photo 5)

6. Using a Dremel or milling machine, open up a hole in the middle of the weight so that the speaker can project the sound down over the rear truck assembly. File any cuts smooth. (Photo 6)

7. Reinstall the rear weight and thread the track pickup wires through the notches. (Photo 7)

8. The front weight must be removed to access the decoder. Spread the front track pickup wires out and around the front weight. Remove the screw in the end holding the front weight in place and then remove the weight. (Photos 8 and 9)

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 8 Photo 9

13. Remove the headlight and backup light from the factory-installed circuit board and solder to the Tsunami decoder. This model has 14V bulbs, so no dropping resistors are necessary. (Photos 13 and 14)

14. Replace the front weight and reinstall the front track pickup wires into the slots provided. Remount the front headlight bulb into the weight as well. (Photo 15)

15. The speaker for this installation is the small oval speaker. Start by soldering two 6” pieces of 30-32 gauge wire to the terminals on the speaker. (Photo 16)

16. Next, cut the sides and top for the styrene baffl e following the template at the end of this document. Drill two small holes on one end of the speaker enclosure.

9. Using masking tape, mark the purpose of each wire accordingly. Remove the small black clips that hold the track pickup wires and motor wires to the circuit board and pull the wires out. At this time, leave the headlight and backup light wires in place. (Photo 10)

10. Using a fl athead screwdriver, gently pry on the black retaining tabs holding the circuit board in place and lift the board out of the model. (Photo 11)

11. Install the TSU-AT1000 by placing the Tsunami decoder on the retainer clips on top of the motor and gently pressing down. (Photo 12)

12. Solder the track pickup wires and the motor wires to the decoder, following the diagram at the end of this document.

Photo 10

Photo 11

Photo 12

Photo 13

Photo 14

Photo 15

Photo 16

17. Using liquid plastic cement, secure the styrene pieces around the sides of the speaker. Thread the speaker wires through the holes drilled in the previous step. File or sand the joints smooth for easier handling. (Photo 17)

18. Using silicone, mount the speaker to the top of the rear weight. Use tape to secure the speaker in place until the silicone fully cures. On the milled weight used here, screw holes were provided to mount the speaker using screws. After securing the speaker to the weight, glue on the top of the speaker baffl e with liquid plastic cement. (Photo 18)

19. Solder the speaker wires to the S+ and S- terminals. Since only one speaker is used, polarity is not important. (Photo19)

20. Mount the backup light to the top of the baffl e using tape (or silicone) to secure it in place. Mount the capacitor on top of the decoder and use tape to hold it in place. Take the model for a test run to ensure proper operation of the motor, lights and sound. Correct any problems at this time. (Photo 20)

21. For the backup light to fi t properly, some modifi cations must be made. Remove the backup light and number board casting from the shell by pressing gently on them. (Photo 21)

22. Using a saw, cut about 1/4” from the back of the backup light casting. This will free room for the speaker to fi t. File and sand this cut smooth to allow for better light transfer. Reinstall the castings into the shell. (Photos 22 and 23)

23. Replace the shell over the frame and test run again to ensure all wires are clear of the driveline. Correct any problems at this time.

24. Replace the coupler pockets and enjoy!

Photo 17

Photo 18

Photo 19

Photo 20

Photo 21

Photo 22

Photo 23

TM

New Dimensions in Digital Sound Technology

©2012 Throttle Up! Corp.All Rights Reserved

Baffl e Dimensions

0.3” 0.3” 0.3” 0.3” 0.71”

0.63”

1.46” 1.46”

O

O

Front Right Pickup

Front Left Pickup

RearRight Pickup

RearLeft Pickup

Motor

Function Common Function Common

Headlight Backup Light

1 2 3 4

107

8

9

FWD

REV ALED25 6

Motor -

Motor +

S+ S-

TSU-AT1000 Wiring Diagram

141 Burnett Drive • Durango, CO 81301Phone: (970) 259-0690 • Toll Free: 888-789-7637 • Fax: (970) 259-0691

Email: support@soundtraxx.com • Website: www.soundtraxx.com