richhotrain tstage New or used, Rich...Makes no difference to me. If it's a good switcher; it gets a TCS decoder. I want a switcher to excel at slow switching and TCS gives me that. But that's just me... Tom Yeah, but $36.50 for a non-sound decoder versus $20 ??? A used switcher?? Rich
tstage New or used, Rich...Makes no difference to me. If it's a good switcher; it gets a TCS decoder. I want a switcher to excel at slow switching and TCS gives me that. But that's just me... Tom
New or used, Rich...Makes no difference to me. If it's a good switcher; it gets a TCS decoder. I want a switcher to excel at slow switching and TCS gives me that. But that's just me...
Tom
Yeah, but $36.50 for a non-sound decoder versus $20 ???
A used switcher??
Rich
Almost every one of my locos is 'used' - I've oonly puchased a few as brand new. Just because that Stewart/Bowser Baldwin switcher only cost me $40 does not mean I am going to cheap out and get a junky decoder - they run too well to compromise the performance like that.
And if I want to put sound in any of them (besides the one I ALREADY bought a sound chassis for), they're getting Loksound. Just because it was used doesn't mean I'm going to put in a cheap MRC decoder. I have standards, you know
I may also try Lokpilots, that way the non-sound will have the same drive as the sound ones.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker richhotrain tstage New or used, Rich...Makes no difference to me. If it's a good switcher; it gets a TCS decoder. I want a switcher to excel at slow switching and TCS gives me that. But that's just me... Tom Yeah, but $36.50 for a non-sound decoder versus $20 ??? A used switcher?? Rich Almost every one of my locos is 'used' - I've oonly puchased a few as brand new. Just because that Stewart/Bowser Baldwin switcher only cost me $40 does not mean I am going to cheap out and get a junky decoder - they run too well to compromise the performance like that. And if I want to put sound in any of them (besides the one I ALREADY bought a sound chassis for), they're getting Loksound. Just because it was used doesn't mean I'm going to put in a cheap MRC decoder. I have standards, you know I may also try Lokpilots, that way the non-sound will have the same drive as the sound ones. --Randy
If you need a non-sound decoder, spend $40 for a TCS? Period.
If you need a sound decoder, it begins and ends with Loksound?
Aren't we doing a disservice to newbies and to modelers on a budget?
Too much bias and misdirection here.
I'm not directing this at you, Randy, but to the herd instinct on this forum when it comes to decoder selection.
Alton Junction
Rich,
You and anyone else can install what you want. I (and Randy) are just sharing what our preferences are and why we do what we do. It's not a mandate. I recommended the TCS decoder brand to Fred because it gives me the best result for what I'm looking for.
Slow switching may not be Fred's thing and that's fine. However, I think I do do him (and others) a service to share my experiences and preferences and why - in the event that is something that Fred or another member desires in a locomotive. Isn't that sort of the purpose of the forum?
Yes, the TCS decoders are more expensive and I mentioned that in my earlier post. The benefits - for me - are worth it; albeit a new or used locomotive.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
richhotrain rrinker richhotrain tstage New or used, Rich...Makes no difference to me. If it's a good switcher; it gets a TCS decoder. I want a switcher to excel at slow switching and TCS gives me that. But that's just me... Tom Yeah, but $36.50 for a non-sound decoder versus $20 ??? A used switcher?? Rich Almost every one of my locos is 'used' - I've oonly puchased a few as brand new. Just because that Stewart/Bowser Baldwin switcher only cost me $40 does not mean I am going to cheap out and get a junky decoder - they run too well to compromise the performance like that. And if I want to put sound in any of them (besides the one I ALREADY bought a sound chassis for), they're getting Loksound. Just because it was used doesn't mean I'm going to put in a cheap MRC decoder. I have standards, you know I may also try Lokpilots, that way the non-sound will have the same drive as the sound ones. --Randy So, what are we saying? If you need a non-sound decoder, spend $40 for a TCS? Period. If you need a sound decoder, it begins and ends with Loksound? Aren't we doing a disservice to newbies and to modelers on a budget? Too much bias and misdirection here. I'm not directing this at you, Randy, but to the herd instinct on this forum when it comes to decoder selection. Rich
So, what are we saying?
Every one of my P2K Alco S1 switchers get an TCS MC2 (some of which are used, some where NIB). 1st off because it fits well (about the size of a dime), secondly because it has excellent motor control.
I use Loksound or TCS, it depends on what will fit. I prefer TCS due to audio assist, but I wont rip out a loksound if it came with one. Soundtrax Tsunami (1 not 2, I have no experience with the latter) and sound value decoders come out when I have the $$ to upgrade. Soundtraxx Tsunami is the ALCO 244 of my railroad. Ive gotten to the point were I will not order/purchase a DCC sound Athern Genesis locomotive anymore, I'll just get the DC version and put in the decoder and speaker I want.
derf Tom, I have looked all over the TCS site as well as NCE's and can't find how to select a decoder. Digitrax is the only place I have found where you plug in what type engine you have and it spits out the decoders. Do you use a site or just ask the manufacturer to recommend one?
Tom,
I have looked all over the TCS site as well as NCE's and can't find how to select a decoder. Digitrax is the only place I have found where you plug in what type engine you have and it spits out the decoders. Do you use a site or just ask the manufacturer to recommend one?
To the OP:
They dont have a list like that. You choose a decoder based on what will fit and the current draw of the motor. From what I have seen all of their HO scale decoders have 1 AMP continuous, 2 Amp peak. This pretty much covers any modern manufactured DCC ready locomotive. Choose the decoder based on size. Also look into if you want to do a whole board replacement or not, and if you want to upgrade to sound later. If you just want motor control, and dont want to hardwire, get a decoder that has an 8 pin plug or a 8 pin-9pin JST harness. If want to upgrade later this will also work, TCS has a WOW sound diesel decoder that uses the 9pin harness. You can also rip out the board completely and hardwire everything in.
I will also say that some (maybe much) of what I say is based on experience. I did manage to not get into DCC until the really cheap decoders were all but gone (by cheap I mean functionally - they were anything BUT cheap in the early days). I have used a lot of different decoders at first - such as getting Digitrax DH163L0 decoders for my first couple of P2K locos because they just plug in. Eventually I learned a few things - LEDs are better long term as headlights, many factory circuit boards are just a mess when it comes to circuit design, and Digitrax's BEMF at the time had horrible 'jumps' which are readily noticeable when increasing speed one step at a time.
Not being content to just take everyone's word for it, I evn found an MRC Alco 244 decoder for cheap on eBay and tried it in my RS-3. I still have the decoder. It will never grace one of my locos. I might be able to sell if for half of what I paid, but I'd rather not subject someone who doesn't know any better to the mess that it is. It's board specific for Ahearn RTR, but I only have the two RS3's, not likely I will ever sell them, or maybe I'd just toss the decoder in for free.
If you REALLY want inexpensive decoders, I'd get the NCE D13 series over the lower end Digitrax ones any day. Neither has BEMF, but the NCE ones have a much smoother motor adjustment and better support LED lights. It's like I've always said, I love my Digitrax system and I won't be switching, but their decoders - not so much. I no longer have any installed in any locos. In a drawer I have the 2 DH163L0s and an original SoundBug. The Soundbug I may try loading some stationary sounds in for some ambient sounds somewhere.
Let us know how it works out, Fred.
derfI have ordered the TCS DP2X. It wasn't that expensive to me. Thanks for all the responses. Fred
Fred
You may need a socket extension for that decoder (I think TCS calls it a NMRA connector) to clear the resistor and other components right next to the NMRA plug on the board. Call them up when they open, ask them if they can add it to your order.
This thing:
https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Products/Supplies/ToolsAndSupplies/NMRA/NMRA.htm
BMMECNYC derf I have ordered the TCS DP2X. It wasn't that expensive to me. Thanks for all the responses. Fred Fred You may need a socket extension for that decoder (I think TCS calls it a NMRA connector) to clear the resistor and other components right next to the NMRA plug on the board. Call them up when they open, ask them if they can add it to your order. This thing: https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Products/Supplies/ToolsAndSupplies/NMRA/NMRA.htm
derf I have ordered the TCS DP2X. It wasn't that expensive to me. Thanks for all the responses. Fred
richhotrain BMMECNYC derf I have ordered the TCS DP2X. It wasn't that expensive to me. Thanks for all the responses. Fred Fred You may need a socket extension for that decoder (I think TCS calls it a NMRA connector) to clear the resistor and other components right next to the NMRA plug on the board. Call them up when they open, ask them if they can add it to your order. This thing: https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Products/Supplies/ToolsAndSupplies/NMRA/NMRA.htm That's a bummer. You would think that TCS would include that extension plug. Rich
That's a bummer. You would think that TCS would include that extension plug.
I dont remember if they do or not, which is why I suggested a phone call.
The web site suggests that it is required for that decoder but, apparently, it all depends on the setup of the DC board that it plugs into, i.e., is there sufficient clearance for the 8-pin plug.
I used the DP2X for one of my installs and didn't need the "booster seat". The decoder cleared everything just fine. In fact, the shell wouldn't seat all the way had I used it.
And now you see why I hardware almost all of my decoders... none of that to deal with.
Your CV values are correct. Is the plug reversed?
White wire to front light, yellow wire to rear light, and blue wire to common?