Swapping Atlas GP40-2 QSI over to SoundTraxx Tsunami

[PVRR 2647]

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am in the process if building a Rd Slug and Mother GP40-2 p1 from a couple of Atlas Gold Series GP40-2 p1. I plan on borrowing Artur's idea of powering the slugs motor from the mother units decoder, I will add jumper wires between the units for all wheel electrical pickup though. I had planned on using the Tsunami AT1000 decoder, but I have read that it will not fit unless you remove the factory speakers and frame. Is this true? If it is true does ESU LoKSound make a decoder that will fit ? I don't want to remove the factory speakers from this unit. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank You,

PVRR2647

[Mark R.]

The loksound decoder is considerably smaller and their micro version is about the smallest sound decoder out there, without the inherant heating issues that the micro Tsunami has. You will have to hardwire the decoder, but it's not difficult if you take your time and and attach the wires correctly. 

Loksound decoders work optimally at a 4 ohm speaker load, so just wire the two 8 ohm speakers in parallel for a 4 ohm load.

I've done this conversion and the sound is amazing with those two 1-1/4" speakers !

Mark.

[PVRR 2647]

Mark~

Thank you for the advice. Do you mind if I ask what the aforementioned loksound part number is for the EMD 645 turbo. I have a lot of experience installing tsunamis'. Though I don't mind hardwiring either, and I like to try to expand my horizons too.

PVRR2647

[Mark R.]

Item number 73408 is a Loksound Select file number correct for your GP40-2. This same file number would be correct for the Select (with 8-pin harness), Select Micro (with 8-pin harness) or the Select Direct (Atlas style board). When you order your decoder, be sure to specify this file number, else you will just be getting a blank decoder.

Mark.

[PVRR 2647]

Mark~

Thanks for the help. Trying to figure out their website was almost impossible without your help.

PVRR2647