Sound for this engine is not of concern, as I plan on using my new Broadway Limited CSX locos when they come in for this train. However, I needed an engine for our Christmas show and this is all I could get in the short time frame.
Thanks for all the reply's! Time to order up my Digitrax decoder
GoleyC
Is sound part of your plans?
The DH163D puts you on the Digitrax SoundBug path. The SoundBug is a low-end, sound-only decoder which plugs into and works with the DH163 series of decoders.
On the other hand....
Digitrax also makes a series of low-cost sound decoders with motor control, all in one package, for the same price as the SoungBug. So, it costs more to buy a non-sound decoder now and add a sound decoder later on than it does to go with sound right away.
But, the biggest thing is the quality of the sound. These low-cost sound decoders sound like low-cost sound decoders when you put them up against the better options. If you want sound in the future, take a serious look, uh, make that listen, to the Tsunami from Soundtraxx. Besides better sound, the Tsunami also features better motor control. Yes, you will pay a lot more for a Tsunami. But, if these are your "front-line" engines, the difference may well be worth it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Genesis locos have a 9 pin plug, so the DH163D would be the one to get. it also has enough extra functions so that if that particualr model has ditch lights and/or a rooftop beacon you can connect those as well, but that requires a bit more than just plugging the decoder in. Basic operation with ditch lights just being on or off works by just plugging the decoder in - it will take you longer to remove the shell than to install the decoder.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Looking at the Digitrax website, it seems the DH163D is the can't go wrong decoder for just about everything they put out
Just picked up a Athearn Genesis HO 67273 SD60I, CSX/YN2 #8742 and I need to also purchase a decoder to install. However, I'm totally confused on which decoder should be used for a Athearn's Genesis model? Any help would be appreciated in making the right selection.