Decoder Ready

[Curt]

Hi,

I still feel like I am quite new to the hobby and I have a question in regard to what exactly "decoder ready" means. I still use DC to operate my trains as opposed to DCC. I have some N-scale locomotives that say they are decoder ready on the box.  What exactly does that mean?  Does it mean they already have a sound decoder in them, or they can have a sound decoder put in. I am thinking about getting the Tech 6 Sound Controller 2.0, but I guess I am confused about the decoder ready thing. I would appreciate any help I could get??? Thanks.

[rrinker]

 Decoder ready or DCC ready is pretty much menaingless, because there is no standard for what it should mean. SOmetimes it means you cna simply plug in a decoder, very simple. Other times it means you can put a decoder in, if you repalce some lights or change around some wires. Since you can theoretically put a decoder in anything given enough time, effort, and money, EVERYTHING is 'dcc ready'. And even in the cases where DCC Ready means you simply plug in a decoder and go, it almost always is referrign to a motor decoder. FOr a sound decoder you also need room for the speaker and enclosure, and not many models come with that, especially in N scale.

                       --Randy

 

[Phoebe Vet]

While there is no published standard, a loco that you find in a retail establishment today that is labeled DCC ready usually is a DC loco that has a plug into which you can plug a motor decoder with no other wiring required.  Sound still requires you to install a speaker and very few units have a place for the speaker built in.

[rrinker]

davidmbedard

The term "Decoder Ready" means, at the least, that the motor is isolated from the frame, to most, an 8/9 pin plug for a decoder.

David B

 Keep dreaming. <holds up P2K Alco S1>

Maybe someday the manufacturers will agree on what DCC Ready means, but then again maybe I'll win that lottery I never play. There's a better chance of all locos coming with DCC already installed.

                      --Randy

 

[Lake]

Curt, If they are Kato or Atlas (which is what I have) diesel engines and fairly new then a decoder is fairly easy to install. Steam is a little more work. The majority of the N scale engines do not use the plug in decoders. But slide into slots.

Sound decoders are made for only some of the larger N scale engines as they may have the room. Sound decoders cost a lot more then function only decoders.

Engines with sound decoders in them at purchase will be quite a lot more expensive then just plain DC.