Was wondering if anyone has had success adding TMCC and sound to Atlas SW-9.
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I started a project with an older SW9 with Dallee Electronics. I have yet to finish. Speaker in the fuel tank is a project. Adapting on older frame to The TAS TMCC electronics that was used for a long time is also a project. New retro kits, Electric Railroad may be better, my electronic was from an SW that someone had upgraded to an ERR drive system which is what Atlas uses currently. Atlas was very good supplying parts for this project.
Additional picture.
I think you may be able to fit the new Cruise Commander Lite into that unit, maybe even the very small sound board as well.
I use a PTC in the motor leads if I suspect the locomotive may draw more power than the 4A rating of the CC-Lite, that protects the drivers in the even of a potential overload.
The CC-Lite is fairly small, 2.25” L x 1.25” W x .75” H footprint including the R4LC-C08 TMCC receiver. From Mike's picture of his electronics, it appears that board should fit. The new RailSounds Commander board is very small and should have no issue fitting, it's 1.75" L x 1.25" W x 0.50" H.
Since Mike is already worked out the speaker in the tank, he can tell you how to do that. 
I just repaired an Atlas SW8 that has the same TAS board shown in Mike's picture. ERR stuff will fit easily. The speaker that came with that engine was about the size of a quarter in diameter and depth. I replaced it with one from Railmaster Hobbies, the DHB-28.
I had to remove some metal from inside the fuel tank to get it to clear the motor but it sounds pretty good for such a tiny speaker. Much better than the stock speaker Williams uses in their NW2s. I will be ordering a few more of these for future upgrades where space is minimal.
Pete
I don't see that speaker model on the RailMaster site. 
Will the full Cruise Commander fit in that engine?
John, here is a link to the page. I should have typed DHB28-Box.
http://www.railmasterhobbies.com/Speakers.htm
I think either a CC or CC lite will fit assuming you put the speaker in the tank and use the new Railsounds Commander. Both are narrower than the TAS board. The hood has the length but very tight in width. With the single RS385 a CC lite should do just fine. I kept the TAS board as the problem was the audio. The engine runs extremely smooth and I didn't think it was worth the expense to replace it with cruise. Like nearly all Atlas engines its a major PITA to work on. Don't ask me to take it apart and make measurements. It ain't going to happen.
Pete
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
I think you may be able to fit the new Cruise Commander Lite into that unit, maybe even the very small sound board as well.
I use a PTC in the motor leads if I suspect the locomotive may draw more power than the 4A rating of the CC-Lite, that protects the drivers in the even of a potential overload.
I agree, Atlas SW's draw more than the average two can China Drive, my experience. Nice motor, nice drive system with out any speed control. Works well with TAS components pictured, I believe the TAS components are 8 amp.
The CC-Lite is fairly small, 2.25” L x 1.25” W x .75” H footprint including the R4LC-C08 TMCC receiver. From Mike's picture of his electronics, it appears that board should fit. The new RailSounds Commander board is very small and should have no issue fitting, it's 1.75" L x 1.25" W x 0.50" H.
Since Mike is already worked out the speaker in the tank, he can tell you how to do that.
(1.) Atlas supplied the screen and speaker that is used in the current SW models. As already noted the speaker fits. New speakers are decent for being small.
(2.) There is also significant dremel work needed, to remove the existing Dallee speaker mounts, top front, inside of the hood. You will need this space for the electronics.
(3.) Also note that electro-couplers are added. Small frame modification for the articulated couplers and coupler cover. You may need to remove a small amount of plastic from the underside of the pilots. Current electro-couplers will bolt-up to the trucks.
(4.) You also have to do an antenna in the cab area. Best antenna is applied to the inside roof of the Cab area.
(5.) I also upgraded the front, rear head lights, and the instrument panel light to 18 volts for operation in command mode.
(6.) Note that these older SW's have delrin hand rails, instead of the metal hand rails on the current models.
(7.) Mounting Run/Program switch, and Snd/No Snd switch is another project.
There is a good bit of work associated with getting the speaker screen to fit the old style Dallee fuel tanked.
TAS at one time did these upgrades, but they supplied a new current style frame that accommodated the new style TAS electronics, pictured above.
Have fun with your project. The Pennsy SW 9 with Dallee Electronics, was $80 at a train meet. Another $60, I think, for the used electronics pictured, I hope it works.
Mike CT
I haven't upgraded one of those, but since the full Cruise Commander is reputed to fit, clearly I'd use that.
This isn't a Weaver chain drive engine. It draws .68 amps running light. Held in place it draws 1.78 amps. Stall current is 2.5 amps.
If this TAS board ever goes belly up mine will get a CC light.
Drive fast, take chances.
Pete
"Atlas SW's draw more than the average two can China Drive, my experience."
Have you tested more than one to make sure you don't have a dog? I've run these with HO decoders and no problems. Given the design and gear ratios I'd expect these to draw significantly less current than a two motor china drive? .......DaveB
With a stall current of 2.5A, I'd use the CC-Lite.
IMO Metal containment of both the electronics and motor in one area. Drive board is on top of the motor, motor heat will effect the board. The aluminum heat sink built into the TAS design had a purpose. I would be cautious with the light drive. I had one fail in a Rich Yoder GE 44 tonner. IMO
Best wishes with your projects.
Mike CT
Mike, the difference between triac drivers and MOSFET drivers is significant, the heatsink requirements are vastly different due to the different power dissipation in the driver IC.
I have an Atlas SW and did a Cruise Lite and install with sound. Took more time to do the install that a usual ERR install because of the tight fit. Used the existing speaker.
It runs great and the sound is much better.
Just take your time, fit and adjust as you go along. Very happy with the ERR change.
RAY
Ray of sunshine,
Any pictures of your install?
Any tricks or pointers on how you mounted the new components?
Which sound set did you choose?
Thank you.
Norton,
Can you remember whether you removed material from the DHB28-Box speaker or the fuel tank in order to get the speaker to fit?
Ctr, I removed material from the fuel tank. I used the frame that came with a conventional engine. That frame differs from the later frame used with the TMCC engines in that it has only two small holes for switches. I had to enlarge the recess and also drill a hole for the speaker opening.
Pete
