I am installing a Digitrax DCC system on my existing layout. While some of my new locomotives are DCC ready, I have a few that need decoders. Does it make a difference if I install another manufacturer's decoder on the Digitrax system? Tony's Trains is recommending NCE decoders, and Bill's Trains are recommending something else as well. I would appreciate any advice, as I have been a diehard cab control guy up until now.
Decoder choice will depend on the engine you are equipping. Any brand will work with your Digitrax system. Some manufacturers will offer decoders for a specific loco. Others will work, but may require a hard wire installation.
Hi,
Simple answer - no. I have an extensive Digitrax system with a good 40 power units using mostly NCE decoders (and a few others). The companies have charts that indicate what decoder they manufacture that goes to specific locos. As both Digitrax and NCE have decoders for the same locos, I bought based on price and availability. BTW, you can't go wrong with either of these fine companies.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
pappys,
As slammin stated any manufacturer's decoder will work with your Digitrax system. As far as decoders, I would highly recommend TCS because of their excellent motor control. I love my NCE Power Cab but TCS is my go-to decoder for non-sound decoders. They make different sizes and have a pretty extensive and helpful decoder recommendation page on their website.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hello all,
pappys trainsWhile some of my new locomotives are DCC ready, I have a few that need decoders.
Please understand that "DCC Ready" means they too need decoders.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Pappy you have to decide what you want to do about sound.
My take on the opinions in the forum:
Sound is distracting, too loud and you don't need it. Sound is great (still too loud, but that can be fixed) and I don't run my non-sound locos anymore.
My advice is to try sound early on and see what you think. Pick a newer loco that has space for a speaker. Older locos require surgery on the weight.
LED's haved a superior life span compared to bulbs, they will probably need resistors, depending on the decoder board and should be installed when you do the DCC conversion. You won't find much disagreement on this point.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
That's the beauty of DCC being a standard - any brand decoders work with any brand DCC system.
Unfortuately, some of the associated terminology like "DCC Ready" isn't standardized. DCC Ready can mean anything from "it will take you longer to get the shell off than actually install the decoder" to "sure you can plug a decoder in, just do these other 5 things first"
Best thing to do - ask. Between everyone with DCC experience here, that are surely THOUSANDS of installs. Also, the TCS web site is full of installation pictures, which you can use as a guide even if you use a different decoder (but theirs are very good).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hey pappy!
Welcome to DCC!
As you have already been told, you can use whatever decoder you want with your Digitrax system. Personally, I recommend Loksound decoders for the simple reason that they work extremely well right out of the box. The only adjustments that I generally have had to make to my Loksound decoders is to turn the sound volume way down. For some reason most decoder manufacturers ship their decoders with the sound at full volume. At full volume the sounds can be very grating on the nerves.
I also hear great things about TCS decoders and NCE decoders.
Something to consider when choosing your decoders is that it helps to stay with the same brand as much as possible. The reason is that different manufacturers may use different functions and procedures for various commands. If you stick with the same manufacturer all your decoders will function the same way. I have a mix of decoders and I can tell you that it is a royal PITA to remember which commands to use with which decoder. When funds permit I will convert all of my sound decoders to Loksound.
Cheers!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
rrinker Unfortuately, some of the associated terminology like "DCC Ready" isn't standardized. DCC Ready can mean anything from "it will take you longer to get the shell off than actually install the decoder" to "sure you can plug a decoder in, just do these other 5 things first"
Alton Junction