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Atlas Gold factory fitted ESU Loksound V5 Track and electrical/DCC
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New member 12 posts Alcanman New member 12 posts
Alcanman

Hi. I wonder if someone could confirm that Atlas are now fitting ESU Loksound V5 decoders instead of Loksound Selects to their Gold series diesels. and, if so, which diesel locos were first fitted with the V5.

I recently read a review of the Atlas HO GE U23B and the reviewer mentioned a V5 being fitted. However, on the Atlas website they still show Select decoders being fitted with no mention of V5s. 

Thanks
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Nick Santo amsnick MRH Advertiser and MRH Author 2,806 posts
Nick Santo amsnick

I’m not sure.

Atlas has a good history of great running locomotives, at least for me.  Here is a picture of the generations past in GP38 and GP40s.

3743B04.jpeg 

The bottom one is the oldest, a dual mode, the second is a QSI, and the top one I bought with no decoder but is the current style for mounting a decoder and speakers.  In all cases a Decoder Buddy fits.  The bottom one connects to a Decoder Buddy with an upside-down U of Kapton tape after removing the two “ears”.  The second two have screw holes to accept a Decoder Buddy and will not accept a PNP type decoder because PNP decoders are too long.  Notice also the absence of any JST connectors.  All joints on a Decoder Buddy are soldered except the decoder and a similar connector for the wiring to the lights on a small connector board.  If you want extra lights, for example independent number boards and headlights, and the versatility of any brand of decoder, a 21-pin decoder on a Decoder Buddy would be a good choice.  It is not as easy as an RTR but a lot more versatile way to go.

Hope this helps!

Nick

https://nixtrainz.com/ Home of the Decoder Buddy

Full disclosure: I am the inventor of the Decoder Buddy and I sell it via the link above.
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DSteckler Regular poster 371 posts
DSteckler
Their new H16-44 comes with a V5.
Reply 1
Mark Mathu Regular poster 239 posts
Mark Mathu
I got a pair of recent-production Atlas Gold RS-3s from a local hobby shop in September (catalog numbers 10003044 and 10003045); they were equipped with Loksound 5 DCC 128 Mbs.
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AlexW Prolific poster 2,773 posts
AlexW
The Gold version of NECR 3015 comes with an LS5, as does their recent Dash 8-40Bs.

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Modeling the modern era freelanced G&W Connecticut Northern
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JLandT Railroad Super User 2,491 posts
JLandT Railroad
Alcanman wrote:

Hi. I wonder if someone could confirm that Atlas are now fitting ESU Loksound V5 decoders instead of Loksound Selects to their Gold series diesels. and, if so, which diesel locos were first fitted with the V5.

I recently read a review of the Atlas HO GE U23B and the reviewer mentioned a V5 being fitted. However, on the Atlas website they still show Select decoders being fitted with no mention of V5s. 

Thanks



Alcanman,

They usually ship with or without a decoder, the Atlas Master - Silver Series is non sound (DC), DCC Ready with a speaker.  And the Atlas Master - Gold Series is usually fitted with a LokSound V5 decoder & speaker.  The "Select" was actually a Version 4 decoder, the "Direct" is the newer Version 5 decoder.

I've ordered two Reading Lines U30C - Phase 1's in their Silver Series, as I install LokSound V5 "Direct" with the Integrated Power Packs (ESU58921) & Scale Sound Systems speakers, I also add extra LED lighting, like cab lights.  I would previously install a LokSound V5 - Direct and add a Power Pack Mini, but the newer version is still the cheaper option.

  ESU58921_780x300.jpg 
Cheers,

Jason.

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Alcanman New member 12 posts
Alcanman
Thanks to all for the replies.

I received an Atlas Gold U23B as a Xmas present and it does, indeed, have a Loksound V5 factory fitted. Looks like Atlas have been fitting them for approx 2 years.

I'm very pleased with the sounds in the loco. 

Mal
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