Choosing a Decoder

[ns3010]

I just bought a Walthers Trainline GP9m. I plan to convert it to DCC but I'm not quite sure on which decoder to use. After looking at the Digitrax website, I came across the DH123D. It's not anything fancy, just what I need. It's only $20, and it seems perfect.

Any comments on this decoder? If not, any suggestions for a similar one?

Thanks!

[ds137]

That would be and excellent decoder for your engine, however because you are a first timer in DCC decoder installation, I would recommend you look at TCS decoders.  They are also very reliable decoders, but their decoders have a no questions asked replacement warranty, even if you install it wrong, they will send you a replacement.  (Just in case.)  The TCS decoders are priced about the same as Digitraxx decoders.  Nothing wrong with Digitraxx,  it's just that the TCS warranty makes it a better value to me.  Just my opinion.... I have both brands in my equipment and they both work great.

[rrinker]

 Much as I love my Digitrax system, I don;t use their decoders - the TCS decoders match the price of the DH123 series decoders - except the TCS decoder has BEMF and better lighting effects. It costs more to get the Digitrax DH163 series which have BEMF, but the TCS BEMF is still better as far as I'm concerned. For a plain simple decoder that's inexpensive but definitely not 'cheap', I like the NCE D13SRJ. If you buy a 10 pack you can get them for about $12 each, they are quite reliable, and have decent lighting effects, but no BEMF. They'll run any loco with a decent motor very smoothly - I had one in a Trainline FA-1.

 For a TCS equivalent to the DH123D, look at the T1.

                                        --Randy

 

[Driline]

rrinker

For a plain simple decoder that's inexpensive but definitely not 'cheap', I like the NCE D13SRJ.

Randy's right on this one. I buy NCE exclusively.

[Magnum019]

 I Myself use & Love Digitrax as I have quite a few DH123's but to be honest if I thought of the future meaning adding extra lights or sound or using the Back EMF and currently Digitrax does not have what I want, I probably would have looked elsewhere.  I do have a couple TCS's with the Back EMF which I really like and I'm still shopping and waiting for the Sound Decoders I want for a reasonable price..........Good Luck.........

 Cary

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