First shown in 1999



Starting with the the GP40-2 model, Atlas has
used extended tabs from the motor brush caps
to make the connection to either the Atlas LED
board or a DCC decoder.  This type of
connection is not always reliable, especially
with the decoder.  As seen in this photo, the
contacts are smaller on the decoder.

Since this techquine was developed, Digitrax
has replaced the DN146A with the DN163A0
and Atlas has released many more models
that will accept these decoders.  The concepts
presented here still apply.

Here's a photo showing the frame and motor
contacts with the board removed. I call this
type of design frame ready as opposed to
plug-N-play and take a few extra steps to
make the installation work reliably.

After removing the screws and splitting the
two parts of the frame apart, solder wires
to each of the motor brush tabs and place
small heat shrink over the connection. Use
care when soldering so that the motor will
not be damaged by the heat.

Then laying the frame out as shown, solder
the other ends of the wires to the decoder
on the spots were the motor contact wipers
are meant to touch.

As an extra precaution against shorting,
place a piece of electrical tape over the
bottom of the decoder board as shown in
the photo prior to re-assembly of the board
into the frame.

Reassemble the two halves of the frame, and
feed the slack in the wires through as shown.
Re-install the remaining parts and test.