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!

Which Decoder do I use for this?

1094 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:52 PM

 Yes, because there are so many different decoders and thent here's how do you define "fit"? For example, Digitrax has a drop in decoder for most of my Proto 2000 locos, but I prefer to install TCS T1's and solder the wires myself. The T1 "fits"... 

 Another example, for the Athearn, if you don't care about Back-EMF, you can get an NCE D13SRJ and it will plug in just as easily as the TCS T1. The D13SRJ you can get for under $12 each if you buy a 10 pack.

 There's just too many combinations and new decoders coming all the time that an "all time" list just isn't practical. Each of the major manufacturers usually has a chart for their particualr decoders. TCS has TONS of pictures - pick your loco and they will likely have a series of photos showign which decoder fits in and how to do the install.

                                                --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
    December 2008
  • 37 posts
Posted by brank on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:08 PM

Excellent. Thank you for the suggestions. I wish someone published a spread sheet type chart of all products and various manufacturers decoders for each product, but that would be a lot to track and manage!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 9:54 PM

For the Athearn, TCS T1A (no harness) will plug right in to the 9 pin plug, after you remove the 'dummy plug' currently in place. Simple install. Remove shell, unplug 'dummy plug', plug in decoder, replace shell.

Track cleaning car - nothign fancy, a cheap Digitrax DH123 or an NCE D13SRJ, just so you can have control over the motor speed, fast for vacuum mode, slower for the polishing heads.

 

                                       --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
    December 2008
  • 37 posts
Which Decoder do I use for this?
Posted by brank on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 6:12 PM

Just purchased the two products below and need help recommending a decoder for each. Both items were purchased within the last 3 months and say "DCC Ready" on the box. I believe the CF-7 says something about a "9-Pin" type which I am familiar with. Thank you for your suggestions: 

HO Scale Athearn RTR CF-7 Engine Product #89914  Decoder Mfr./Model #-___________________
 
HO Scale Atlas Track Cleaning Car Product #20 000 374  Decoder Mfr./Model #-___________________

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

There are no community member 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!