DCC decoders? Which ones do you prefer?

[GTX765]

We all know the blueline has the bigboy and more engines coming out. So I have purchased the Digitrax DN143IP and installed it and everything works ok. I was wondering though is there a better choice for me than this one? I read websites and they all say thier products are the best. So really which decoders for a blueline install has the best performance? I am using a Digitrax zephyr and just wonder what is best? I have read other forums that say Zimo is good but do not know anything about them. So please give me your insight on what decoders you like to use in your DCC ready or blueline engines. If you have the model of the decoder that would be great. I will have another blueline arriving soon and may try a different brand to just compare.

Thanks

 

Sean 

[tomikawaTT]

You might want to ask this on the DCC forum.  That's where all the electronics geeks hang out these days.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - analog DC)

[jbinkley60]

We all know the blueline has the bigboy and more engines coming out. So I have purchased the Digitrax DN143IP and installed it and everything works ok. I was wondering though is there a better choice for me than this one? I read websites and they all say thier products are the best. So really which decoders for a blueline install has the best performance? I am using a Digitrax zephyr and just wonder what is best? I have read other forums that say Zimo is good but do not know anything about them. So please give me your insight on what decoders you like to use in your DCC ready or blueline engines. If you have the model of the decoder that would be great. I will have another blueline arriving soon and may try a different brand to just compare.

Thanks

 

Sean 

For Bluelines I prefer the DZ143PS over the DN143IP.  Both work fine but I found in some Bluelines that the DN143IP covers the plug which allows you to control the lights from the motor controller.  With the DZ143PS you have a short harness which gives you a little more flexibility.  Both have the current rating.

 

[locoi1sa]

  Most of my locos have TCS decoders. I love the auto dim of the headlight when stopped. If the loco has ditch lights then its an NCE decoder.

 I tried 2 Digitrax decoders once. Both were plug and play and both fried on the program track. When I sent them back they tried to charge me for repair. I feel I didnt do anything wrong but buy your product. Now none of my locos (52) dont have D co decoders. Probably the best selling point to me is the customer support, Features of the decoder, and the durability.

   Pete
 

[ianalsop]

Sean

No simple answer. 

If you have a Digitrax Zephyr, the Digitrax decoders would be the first choice as programming should be easier on same-make equipment (despite NMRA standards, CV's still aren't standardized).

I have an NCE Powercab, and the majority of my 30+ locos are fitted with NCE decoders, followed by TCS, Digitrax and, if I'm desperate, Lenz as that's all my LHS carries (Lenz are very good but expensive, and I find the programming manuals hopeless).

Also, many manufacturers make decoders for specific applications; Digitrax and TCS make decoders with 1.5v light outputs for Proto 2000 for example. Remember TCS have a 'no questions asked' 12 month replacement warranty.

Two makes I'd give a miss are MRC and Bachmann.

Favourites (for HO) are NCE's tiny Z14SRP, TCS A6X, Digitrax DH165LO and Lenz mini Silver.

Ian 

[Agrant]

I'm shocked by another's experience with Digitrax. As long as it's within the warranty period, I've never had a problem. During one unfortunate series of mistakes, I fried the same board three times. My fault. Each time, Digitrax replaced it without comment. I've also found them helpful with telephone tech support.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I prefer the DZ125 myself. All I need is speed and lighting control so it works well for me.