Since getting back into the hobby 2 years ago, I normally purchase HO locomotives that are equiped with DCC and sound. I have a fear of opening her up, screwing up some wiring and burning out a new loco. But I think I will try my hand at it. I have a few new locomotives that I purchased for a good price I just couldn't pass up. They are Athearn DCC ready SW1000's and a Dash-9. My question is, do I have to purchase the same brand name decoder as my cab (I have a NCE cab) or are all decoders universal with most power cabs?
If I can perform this task of just plugging in a decoder without any problems, I will be a happy camper.
Thanks for your help,
Shawn.
You do not need to purchase NCE decoders. Most any DCC decoder will work. I usually use TCS decoders. http://www.tcsdcc.com/ They do not make a command station at this time.
The engines you list take a normal 9-pin decoder. Most of the decoder makers make one that will plug right in.
The TCS website features many installation pictures. Here is the one for the RTR SW1000.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
Shawn, as all ready stated you can use any decoder you want with your NCE system.
On Athearn RTR I prefer NCE D15SR. I had sideline my Athearn's RTR because they ran badly with Digitrax decoders. (I thought it was there motors) After installing the NCE decoder I was amazed by how much better they ran.
Far as TCS I have heard a lot of good about them, but have yet to buy any. I still use Digitrax in m Proto engines, they work well with each other.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
As noted in the other posts the manufacturer doesn't have to match your CAB. Think of it like an IBM compatible PC. As long as the manufacturer meets the standards set, it's compatible. With the decoders there is a standard. All DCC manufacturers match the basics which ensures they'll work with any DCC system. The individual programming can vary quite a bit but that's where it nice to use decoder pro.
Springfield PA
In my non sound locos I prefer to use a TCS decoder for the awesome lighting and motor control. They are easy to configure and I have never had a failure. Plug and pray is simple to do but it will not be long before you want to try hard wiring and adding sound. DCC/sound has added a new dimension to the hobby. It can also morph into a hobby inside a hobby.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Nope. I used a Digitrax DCC system and I don't have a single Digitrax decoder in any of my locos. So far I've used TCS in all of mine, with one older one that has an NCE D13SRJ and also my two PCM 4-8-4's which came from the factory with ESU Loksound decoders for sound.
That's the cool thing about the DCC standard. The signal on the track is what the standard covers, so any brand system can talk to any brand decoders. What's NOT standard is the system on the control side of things. You can;t use an NCE throttle on a Digitrax system.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.