DCC Decoder Question.....

[Anonymous]

Ok, not having access to a local store to check these out, I need someone who knows to let me know what type of decoder (in other words, MRNa Plug, splice and dice, ect) to get for the following engines (all HO scale):

MDC 4-4-0 Old-Timer
MDC 2-8-0 Old-Timer
MDC 2-6-0 Old-Timer

I'll be ordering these soon, but need to know wether i'll need to rewire or just plug and go, so I can get the proper Decoders off the bat.

Thanks, Jay.

PS. Yes I'm getting wood Burners, going to model 1870 to roughly 1890.

[nfmisso]

Hi Jay;

I reviewed the MDC website thoroughly, some locomotives are listed as being DCC ready, most are not. The three you list fall into the not. You are looking at wiring..

If you are not going withsound, I suggest Digitrax DZ123 or DZ143 or TCS M-2 decoders. If they turn out to have a socket, Digitrax makes a kit to put a plug on the wiring harness, or you just buy the connectors at Radio Shack. See NMRA site for the specific connector.

Have fun.

[Anonymous]

Nigel, I am sure it was just an oversite. The 'Z' in DZXXX is for Z scale.

What he needs for HO is DHXXX. Here is a link to Tony's comparison chart.
http://www.dcctrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Snake

Nigel, I am sure it was just an oversite. The 'Z' in DZXXX is for Z scale.

What he needs for HO is DHXXX. Here is a link to Tony's comparison chart.
http://www.dcctrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm

As long as the decoder provides significant power (amps) You can use DZ, DN, or DH decoders in HO locomotives. I'm sure the reason Nigel suggested the Z scale decoder was because of the limited space in these loco's. Btw, All of these decoders are rated at 1 or 1.5 amps. Dave

[Anonymous]

Hmm..didn't think about using a Z scale decoder, thanks for that tip. But they do have Tenders, so I'm sure an HO one will fit in there.

So other than Digitrax decoders what others would you recommend? I want some ideas for comparisions. Hmm..maybe even a sound decoder to look at for later on as well.

Hmm...Soundtraxx has some in their serria line for these three models, but nothing in the standard set, guess I'll have to keep looking.

Jay

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NTDN

So other than Digitrax decoders what others would you recommend? I want some ideas for comparisions. Hmm..maybe even a sound decoder to look at for later on as well..

Hi Jay;

The TCS (Train Control Systems) M-2 decoder is about the same size as the DZ143 and DZ123. I do not know if Lenz or NCE offer similar size decoders.

You might want to look at the Soundtraxx 821101: Light steam engine
http://www.dcctrains.com/products/soundtraxx_dsd090.htm
as your planned locomotives are rather small.

And here to compare some (not all) of the available speakers.
http://www.dcctrains.com/products/tteexclusive_spkr.htm

Have fun.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Snake

Nigel, I am sure it was just an oversite. The 'Z' in DZXXX is for Z scale.

What he needs for HO is DHXXX. Here is a link to Tony's comparison chart.
http://www.dcctrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm

Hi Snake;

I must refer you to the Digitrax site, where they state:

"DZ Series Decoders-Super Small N & HO Decoders
Z-Scale Decoders fit in the smallest spaces!
Rated at 1.25 Amps for use in N & HO, too! "

See: http://www.digitrax.com/mobdec.htm#dz143 and scroll up three lines.

I am a firm believer in using as small a decoder as will do the job as it leaves more room for other things.

[Anonymous]

Hmm...looking at the lenz LE1035 Decoder as a possibliity, the one thing that stands out is it has a programmable stopping distance that is independent of the deceleration rate. So if I want my Engine to always stop in exactly 1 foot no matter what the speed (that is when using block control signalling), this one seems to allow it. Although I doubt I'd need the four functions it has on it, but I think the deceleration constant is a big bonus.

It comes in at a simple Size of L 0.85" x W 0.65"x H 0.26" L 21.5mm x W 16.5 mm x H 6.6mm, so seems like it's pretty small as well. But check the specs at http://www.lenz.com/products/decoders/currentdecoders/le1035.htm and let me know if it's worth the $36.95 that DCCTrain's has it listed for.

Anyone seen or played with one of these puppies yet? Really I'm just getting into the full effects of DCC and want to make sure I get my moneys worth.

Jay

[nfmisso]

The Lenz 1035 looks good, it is big though, 4x the volume of the DZ, and pricey. But if you want that stopping feature....

They make very good product, so there should not be any reason to be dissappointed.