Wich decoder?

[Guy Papillon]

I just bought my first DCC system, a NCE Power Cab. I now have to convert my locomotives to DCC. Someone told me I should stick to NCE decoders for the first locomotives so it will be easier to program and use.  But I am attracted by the Digitrax DH165 series for the possibility to put sound eventually, may be sooner than later I must admit. 

What do you think?

 

[Stevert]

Everybody has their favorites.  I mostly use Digitrax decoders, although I have no reservations about buying a different brand if they have a decoder that's a better "fit" for a specific loco. 

  So in addition to Digitrax I have some NCE decoders, some TCS decoders, and one Soundtraxx LC decoder (as well as QSI and Tsunami OEM's).

  I can't say I've really had any difficulties programming or "using" any of them, but then again I use JMRI with a Digitrax PR3 so I have the ideal programming setup!  

 

[rrinker]

 I use all TCS decoders except for my sound locos, because I liek the wy they run. The cheapest QUALITY decoder you can get though, is the NCE D13SRJ, you cna buy a 10 pack of them for about $12 each. I've used them in the past and they work great, they are only missing BEMF but for better quality locos you cna get them to run very smoothly without it.

 Of the three major brands of motor-only decoders I've tried, I least like the Digitrax ones. Even though I run a Digitrax system and would never switch, I'm not a fan of their decoders. The motor control is only fair despite the inclusion of BEMF. ANd really, the sound isn't much worth it. If you want to use Digitrax sound as an add-in later, the Soundbug will connect in parallel to ANY decoder, not just the Digitrax ones.

                     --Randy

 

[Train Modeler]

If you're considering sound, go with Soundtraxx--everything is on one chip and the sound is probably the best.  Although QSI is coming out with it's new Titan and I've heard that it is very good  sound too.  QSI has good motor control, but I don't like their indexed CVs.

I like TCS for standard chips--use some Digitrax with no problems.

I find by the time I install them, saving a couple of dollars is small compared with overall cost and desired result. 

I too use Decoder Pro for programming, but with a Loco Buffer USB connector and a PTB-100 programming booster(helps with sound decoders) for the service track.

Richard

[simon1966]

Guy Papillon

Someone told me I should stick to NCE decoders for the first locomotives so it will be easier to program and use.   

Frankly, that is utter twaddle!  There are some decoders that can be a pain to program, but  to all-intents- and-purposes you can choose whatever brand of decoder you like and program it without problem with your NCE system.  I am a Digitrax user myself and have decoders from NCE, Digitrax, TCS (my favorites as well) Lenz, Soundtraxx, QSI and ESU and I can't say I have had a problem or difficulty programming any of them.