Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Decoder Identification

1383 views
8 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Decoder Identification
Posted by cowman on Thursday, September 17, 2020 11:42 AM

Recently purchased a DCC (non-souund) equipped loco, but the seller doesn't remember what the decoder is.  My NCE PowerCab says the mfg is #129.

First, where do I find a list to tell me the mfg?

Second, do all non-sound decoders from the same mfg program the same?

Third, where can I find the directions for programming this decoder?

I'm not very computer savvy, so don't hesitate to talk to the most basic levels.  Even they may be over my head.

Thank you,

Richard

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • 1,047 posts
Posted by betamax on Thursday, September 17, 2020 11:52 AM

129 is Digitrax.

The complete set is here on the NMRA website.

To determine the exact decoder gets complicated, and you have to look at the documentation the manufacturer provides. Sometimes it is easy, other times, not.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Posted by cowman on Thursday, September 17, 2020 1:22 PM

betamax,

Thank you for the list.  Now, since I don't have the documentation, where do I go from  here?

Since it doesn't have sound and it is set to the road number, sould I just leave well enough alone?

Thanks again,

Richard

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Thursday, September 17, 2020 2:16 PM

cowman
since I don't have the documentation, where do I go from  here?

Try the different resources on this page

https://www.digitrax.com/support/

If none of them get you far enough, come back here with whatever information you were able to get.

 

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • 1,047 posts
Posted by betamax on Thursday, September 17, 2020 3:26 PM

 

You would have to look at the documentation on the Digitrax website.  They may have a version number in CV7, but, you'll have to cross reference it to what actual model it is.

Of course, Digitrax won't tell you too much, but the nice people at JMRI have compiled a list:

DecoderId.html

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Posted by cowman on Thursday, September 17, 2020 4:50 PM

Thank you both for the llinks, looks like I've got some research reading to do.

Thanks again,

Richard 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, September 17, 2020 9:33 PM

 Other than functions and form factor, it doesn't much matter, the CVs are pretty consistent across all Digitrax decoders. The difference are the lower end ones don't have all the lighting effects. You also can just peek inside, Digitrax prints the model number on the shrink wrap. That's the easy way, once you know that, you can find the instruction sheet and the full decoder manual on the Digitrax web site. They have 2 sections on the product pages, one for current and oen for retired products, so if it's an older decoder it may be on the retired list.

                            --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Posted by cowman on Saturday, September 19, 2020 5:06 PM

Thank you all for the  help.  The seller found his notes on the installation and sent me the model number.  I have printed the manual, now to look it over.

Thanks again,

Richard

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, September 19, 2020 5:24 PM

cowman

Thank you all for the  help.  The seller found his notes on the installation and sent me the model number.  I have printed the manual, now to look it over.

Thanks again,

Richard

 

Yes

Alton Junction

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!