Decoder Dilemma

[JCasey]

Hello All,
I am working in HO and contemplating buying a Digitrax Zephyr. I am confused by all the different decoders available, and which one's would work in some of my older locos. I am concerned because I understand that some of these older locos draw more current than some decoders can handle. I am thinking of using the DH163KO for my Atlas C424 model 9306, recommended by Digitrax. Can you recommend which decoders would work for the following older locos.

Athearn - PA1-model 3309
Athearn - PB1-model 3349
Bachmann - SD45-model 82702
IHC - C628-model 23269
IHC - Alco Century 415-model 24007

Thank you for any help you can offer. John

[Texas Zepher]

Well, for the Athearn and Bachmann the power draw can vary greatly. It would be really good to actually measure how much current they draw and match the decoder accordingly. However, having said that I have used the NCE D13SR in almost everything imaginable, including Athearn blue box. The only one that has fried was in a Lifelike PA, which I later found was drawing up to 3 amps when starting. That loco is going to get a new motor.

NCE D13SR $16 1.3 A
Digitrax DH 123 D $20 1.5A
Lenz LE1835W $40 1.8 A
Digitrax DG 383AR $50 3.0 A

I know nothing of the IHC diesels.

[cacole]

A Train Control Systems (TCS) T-1 decoder would probably be sufficient for all of these locomotives. The T-1 is rated at 1.3 Amps continuous, 2 Amps peak motor drive, and has two 100mA function outputs for lights.

In lots of 4, these decoders work out to be about $18 when shipping is factored in. Check the following web sites:

http://www.litchfieldstation.com
http://www.tonystrains.com
http://www.loystoys,com

[JCasey]

Thank you for your responses gentlemen. I will check out your recommendations and report back.

Thanks again, John

[rrinker]

Yep, TCS T-1 or NCE D13SRJ. The D13SRJ is probably the least expensive full-featured decoder on the market today.
These are all hard-wired decoders, and will take a bit of work to install. There are no direct plug-in decoders for any of those locos, as none have decoder sockets or light boards that can be replaced like the Atlas/Kato. Didigtrax has a harness which makes Athearn installs alittle easier, but you can do the same thing yourself and save some money. Just don't solder to the copper strips on the motor with them still on the motor, you will end up melting the plastic of the motor.

--Randy

[Pennsy58]

Oh my I have way to many engines. I have all of the engines you listed and equipped them with the TCS T-1 decoder. It fit well in all of them and has the amp rating to preclude any problems. I found the IHC locos to be rather easy to do. Good luck...

[JCasey]

Randy,
Thank you for your insight, I appreciate it.
Pennsy58,
Is it possible to have too many engines? Thanks for your input, it's appreciated.

John

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JCasey

Is it possible to have too many engines?

Well, probably not, but when you have so many that you're pulling 6 car trains with 4 loco lash-ups, you may have a wee bit of an excess of engines. [:D]

[Pennsy58]

As long as my wife doesn't see that I'm finally admitting I have to many toys in my closet.

[BRVRR]

I have a TCS T1 in my Athearn PA and several other BB locos. They perform beautifully. Although they have to be hard wired in your locos, installation is relatively easy. Another advantage of the T1 is the TCS 9-pin plug is interchangeable with Digitrax. If you need more functions in the future you can just plug in a Digitrax DH series decoder.
I also use Digitrax DH123s and DH163s in some of my non-sound equipped locos.
I have no experience with NCE.
I think the T1 is the best bargain in 2-function decoders right now.
Good luck with which ever decoder you choose.