Decoders

[Steel Man]

I am new to model railroading this past year. I have some track laid and just bought a NCE pro cab R after researching different systems for a while. Since I am starting new and have no old engines, would you suggest I buy locomotives that are DCC ready and put in my own NCE decoder? I know that decoders are suppose to be interchangeable between manufactures but is it really true? When I read my NCE handbook it looks like there are settings that work only on NCE decoders that is why I ask the question. Or, should I buy the loco with the decoder already in as long as I get the performance and attributes (like sound) that I want. Any suggestions! Steel Man

[cacole]

Practically all decoders comply with the NMRA DCC Standards and are completely interchangeable until you get into sound decoders.  So a TCS, Lenz, Digitrax, NCE, or other brands should all work just fine with your NCE ProCab.  We use NCE ProCab Radio throttles on our HO scale club layout and have had no problems with anything except MRC decoders.  If you do a little more research here on these forums you'll see why.

As a "fer-instance" -- http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/168232.aspx 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 I use a Digitrax system and I have locos with decoders from many manufacturers, NCE among them. Nearly all decoders are compatible with any system that's set up according to NMRA standards. Meaning? You pick the decoder and in almost all cases you can use it. Some decoders don't have as many options as some others. For example, the Digitrax decoders (DZ125) that I use have BEMF and I can set the speed range. Bachmann decoders cost more and have neither option.

[locoi1sa]

 Steel Man

  If your going to the sound locos it would probably be less expensive to buy with the sound decoder already installed. By the time you buy the loco, decoder and speaker it usually ends up costing as much as a sound equipped loco. Then you have to install it. If you find an older loco that is not DCC ready than putting decoders in can be a challenge in some applications. Most of the time it is a simple plug and pray set up. Just remember the first place a newly installed decoder should be on the program track.

  Have fun.

    Pete

[Graffen]

locoi1sa

 Steel Man

 Most of the time it is a simple plug and pray set up.

  Have fun.

    Pete

 

Well aint that the truth?