Basic motor decoder vs advanced motor decoder

[elansp]

All-

 First off, happy holidays.....

I'm in the process of detailing some Bachmann Spectrum DCC Dash-8s.  After some research it looks like the decoders that come with these engines are essentially the Bachmann EZ Command / Lenz LE100 decoders.

Can someone explain what would the benefit be of adding a more fully featured DCC motor decoder into these units (i..e. Digitrax DH123, 163, etc)?  What kind of performance gains would I get?  The engines run fairly well right out of the box so I'm wondering if it's really worth it???

Thanks in advance....

 

[cacole]

 Remember, if it ain't broke don't try to fix it.  If the engines are running okay with the basic Bachmann/Lenz decoders, leave them be.  If the engines don't run well a higher quality decoder with smoother motor control may help but cannot cure a mechanical problem.

 

[Mark R.]

When I first got my DCC equipped Bachmann SD45's, I was certain they were going to be in need of some mechanical tweaking due to how they performed. Out of curiosity, I removed the Bachmann decoder and circuit board and wired in a new TCS decoder. The change in performance was amazing. There was no more motor buzz and the control was smooth and precise !

I retrofitted the TCS A4X decoders into mine, but the T1 could be just as easily hard wired in. The trick is to remove not only the decoder, but the factory circuit board as well - there are some components on it that will directly affect the operation of the decoder ..... well worth the small investment of a replacement decoder. These units will now mu perfectly with my Atlas engines !!!

Mark.

[tstage]

elansp,

Basically, you're talking 2-function (DH123) vs. 6-function (DH163) decoders.  Your 2-function decoders will handle forward and reverse lighting.  6-function will handle those plus some of the fancier lighting-effects like Mars, Gyralite, ditch lights, etc.  The Bachmann decoders (actually made by Lenz) are most likely 2-function decoders.

If you are thinking about installing a fancier 6-function decoder into your Dash-8s, the questions you need to ask yourself are:

1. Did the prototype have that on your locomotive?
2. Does the Bachmann model come with the lights already installed?
3. If not, do you want to take the time/effort to install them?
4. Are you interested in programming your decoder in order to utilize those lighting-effects?
   

If you answer "no" to either point 3 and/or 4, you may just want to stick with a 2-function decoder.

Also, I really love excellent low-speed response from my locomotives (i.e. smooth starting/stopping) so I would highly recommend getting a decoder with Back EMF or BEMF.  Most of the 6-function decoders will automatically come with that.  You will need to double-check that with any 2-function decoders you buy.

Lastly, elansp, Tony's Train Exchange has a nice Decoder Comparison Matrix on their web site that's worth looking at.  Unfortunately, it's a year and a half old but you should still find it helpful.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[elansp]

Guys, thanks.  I should have prefaced this by stating that I understand that there is a difference in functions but was wondering that if I don't plan (don't have the ability) to add ditch lights, etc is it worth upgrading the decoder?

From what you had said, it appears the only benefit is the BEMF.  I am curious about tearing out the stock board and hard wiring a decoder.  Before doing this, you weren't able to MU your engines with an Atlas with decent results?  Granted, the stock Bachmann motors are a bit noisey but I thought they sounded fairly good on the club layout.

Thanks again for the additional info...   

[elansp]

Gotcha.  So if I consist these engines they should work perfectly.  In the event that I want to pair them up with "nicer" engines, then it will be a real struggle to get them to run together without too much pulling and prodding...

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 I would put in an upgraded decoder, say a Digitrax DH123. You'll have the same function capability the Bachmann decoder gave and you'll be able to speed match as well.

[elansp]

All-

Thanks again for the information.   Any good uses for the "old" decoders?

[modelmaker51]

You can use them for lighting effects for passenger cars and cabooses,