I have a spectrum Ballast Regulator and a spectrum MOW speeder, for HO Scale.
I was wondering what kind of decoders for a DCC layout are needed for these two vehicles.
Small N scale or Z scale decoders could be used. You may have a problem finding room for them, so you may want to do a web search to see if anyone has done it before.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
The first thing I would do is open them up and see how much room there is for a decoder, and how power is applied to their motors. Some specialized equipment like this is very difficult if not downright impossible due to their power pickup schemes.
If it appears that it can be done, a TCS M-1 or their smaller Z-2 decoder would probably be your best choice.
cacole If it appears that it can be done, a TCS M-1 or their smaller Z-2 decoder would probably be your best choice.
Will those work on a Digitrax system?
TCS decoders will work with Digitrax as will all NMRA decoders. They are very good decoders. I have the speeder and just didn't see the room for one. Maybe Z scale would work, but I haven't taken it apart. I run it set to 00 and keep it on a track where I can kill the power when not running.
Richard
As noted just about all decoders that are listed as DCC will work with any DCC system.
Digitrax, NCE and others also make excellent decoders that will work in your equipment.
Springfield PA
I am actually considering just running the speeder on 00 like train modeler said. The regulator with a Z scale decoder may be a little easier to install.