Atlas Silver GE DASH 8-40CW

Scale:
HO Scale


WOWKit used in this installation

WDK-ATL-4

Which includes the following items:

Decoder
Motherboard

AS-MB2

Speaker Kit
Keep Alive®

KA4



Installation

This installation is for a HO-Scale Dash 8-40CW using a TCS WOW121-Diesel Decoder, AK-MB2 Motherboard, KA4 Keep Alive® 
and 32mm WOWSpeaker kit by TCS.

HO-Scale Dash 8-40CW shown prior to installation.
HO-Scale Dash 8-40CW shown prior to installation.
To start off this install, we must first remove the front and rear coupler screws highlighted above and their housings. With the couplers removed, while gently pulling outwards at each end and along each side of the frame, lift the shell off of the frame. Take care to release the handrails as you lift off the shell so they don't break.
To start off this install, we must first remove the front and rear coupler screws highlighted above and their housings. With the couplers removed, while gently pulling outwards at each end and along each side of the frame, lift the shell off of the frame. Take care to release the handrails as you lift off the shell so they don't break.
The Dash 8-40CW shown with the shell off. Unplug the wires from the original lighting board and remove it from the chassis along with the dummy speaker plug.
The Dash 8-40CW shown with the shell off. Unplug the wires from the original lighting board and remove it from the chassis along with the dummy speaker plug.
Shown with the original lighting board removed. Take note of the wire functions.
Shown with the original lighting board removed. Take note of the wire functions.
Attach the AK-MB2 to the frame and plug in the motor and track pickup wires according to the included wiring diagram.
Attach the AK-MB2 to the frame and plug in the motor and track pickup wires according to the included wiring diagram.
Using double sided foam tape, mount the KA4 as shown to the frame and solder the leads to the AK-MB2 according to the included wiring diagram.
Using double sided foam tape, mount the KA4 as shown to the frame and solder the leads to the AK-MB2 according to the included wiring diagram.
Insert the speaker plug into the left side frame opening and secure it with the metal clip, then likewise insert the 32mm WOWSpeaker into the opposite opening, secure it and solder the leads to the AK-MB2. The above right photo is showing the locomotive in reverse orientaion for this purpose. It is important to use this plug as it greatly increases the volume and sound quality.
Insert the speaker plug into the left side frame opening and secure it with the metal clip, then likewise insert the 32mm WOWSpeaker into the opposite opening, secure it and solder the leads to the AK-MB2. The above right photo is showing the locomotive in reverse orientaion for this purpose. It is important to use this plug as it greatly increases the volume and sound quality.
You can now plug in your WOW121 decoder. Now you can close up the locomotive and reinstall the coupler assemblies. Be sure to be mindful of wire routing and reassembly of the shell as to not damage or foul the installation. Your Dash 8-40CW is now WOWSound equipped and ready to roll!
You can now plug in your WOW121 decoder. Now you can close up the locomotive and reinstall the coupler assemblies. Be sure to be mindful of wire routing and reassembly of the shell as to not damage or foul the installation. Your Dash 8-40CW is now WOWSound equipped and ready to roll!

Important Soldering Tip

Please do not use any flux either liquid or paste on the mother board. Over time, the acidic properties of liquid or paste flux will begin eating away at the fiberglass PCB and will damage it. Use only Rosin-core solder or no-clean flux approved for electronics use.

TCS recommends the use of Kester "44" Sn63 Pb37, .015" diameter Rosin-core solder. Kester part number 24-6337-0007.

You can order this solder from the following retailers:
Digikey - PN:KE1110-ND
Techni-Tool - PN:488SO6775

Other solder tips

When stripping wire, only strip a tiny little bit of the insulation. Strip no more than a 1/32 of an inch. When the wire gets tinned with solder, the insulation will shrink back more. Try to not expose any more wire than half the length of the solder pad at most. In no case should solder or exposed wire wire ever be outside the boundary of the the solder pad you are attaching a wire to.
Click here for important information on properly Stripping and Tinning wire

Lacing Cord

In order to keep the wires neat and prevent possible shorts, we recommend lacing the wires into a bundle using lacing cord. Lacing cord is a wax impregnated string used for wire bundling and making harnesses. There are many choices of lacing cord available from Digikey www.digikey.com. 
We use part number 802534B BK032-ND