How to Select The Right DCC Decoder

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February 18, 2015

Len has an HO scale layout and asks readers:

“I am about to convert over from DC to DCC, but I don’t know which decoders to buy for my locomotives. How do I match the loco model with the right decoder and sound system?

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7 Responses to How to Select The Right DCC Decoder

gene says:

February 18, 2015 at 12:32 am

If you go to the digitrax website they have a decoder selection tab on there website. All you do is select what scale you are modeling what brand and type of locomotives you are placing decoders in example would be kato ac4400. Once you do this the decoder selector will show you what decoders are available for your brand and type of locomotive.

Thanks
Gene

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- James says:
  
  March 4, 2015 at 4:38 am
  
  http://www.digitrax.com/products/engine-matrix/decoder/
  
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James says:

February 18, 2015 at 12:56 am

You can go to the soundtraxx website. They have a decoder selector program and you can also listen to a selection of sounds for various locos. I have had good luck with the soundtraxx decoders. TCS also has a website which has a decoder selector and you can listen to sample sounds. ESU also has a website.

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Charles Walsh says:

February 18, 2015 at 12:56 am

What is best decoder for n gauge rs11 engine

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Dennis says:

February 18, 2015 at 5:03 am

Any decoder that has the NMRA logo is OK. If the loco has never had a decoder fitted you may need to determine its stall current in order to decide on the size (Amp rating) of the decoder.
If the loco is DCC ready look for a decoder that can just be plugged in.

I use decoders from a variety of manufacturers and the only problems that I have had have been due to the ID10T syndrome.

Lastly choose the decoder that fits YOUR budget.

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Brian Morgan says:

February 21, 2015 at 12:24 am

I am using an NCE powercab system and have used several different decoders, the selection criteria have been different depending on the locomotive – for example I have used tiny plug in decoders where there is little room such as the Hornby 9F (TCS DP2X). Also I have had to hard wire others or fit decoder sockets (again depending on the available space) in older locos that are not DCC ready – have used TCS, Hornby and Hattons decoders – all seem to have worked OK – just follow the instructions carefully. Haven’t progressed to sound decoders due to the excessive cost. Haven’t blown one up (YET!!!!!)

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Newman Atkinson says:

February 25, 2015 at 6:16 pm

Some decoders are designed for the engine to convert such as the TSumi for the Kato Amtrak P 42 with sound and speakers. The big thing with that one the lights are built into the chip where the light runs from there through plastic to where the lights would be. A lot of it depends on the room you have on the engine.In some cases the chip may need located in a tender for instance. In my Snow Rotory there is ample room to install a slow geared motor and something to swing the wings in and out. A lot of engines have already been put on lists with that manufacturer where they have already installed those chips in those engines. Whether you use sound or not you can’t go wrong from Newman

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