Athearn Genesis GP15 - NS Decoder

[log0008]

Hi guys,

I just ordered an NS, GP15, dcc ready version, athearn. I could only afford that one, but still want to install a decoder in it, what would you recommend for a good priced decoder?


Also, i have seen Digitrax SDH164D decoders, would it do any good to add sound at a low cost? I only paid $60 for the loco, so $40 or so is ok if i got sound


Thanks for your help

 

[bigB]

Hi guys,

I just ordered an NS, GP15, dcc ready version, athearn. I could only afford that one, but still want to install a decoder in it, what would you recommend for a good priced decoder?


Also, i have seen Digitrax SDH164D decoders, would it do any good to add sound at a low cost? I only paid $60 for the loco, so $40 or so is ok if i got sound


Thanks for your help

Hey, I think it just sort of depends on what your budget is. You pretty much said it when you got your loco for $60 (that's a great deal on a new? Genesis). Its hard to stomach $100 for a premium sound decoder when the loco only cost $60...

If it were me, I would look hard at the 165AO sound decoder with Soundbug attachment. With Speaker you may be out $65...

If you want to spend the $, Id go with AT-1000 Soundtraxx 645 (non-turbo) and a high base medium oval speaker with enclosure. Prob $90

I will caution you on the Digitrax SDH164D. They are very basic. I have one in a Athearn RTR SW1500 and the motor control is not the smoothest. The decoder can very easily get overloaded and quit responding as its running. For example, Ive seen this several times with mine--running along speed step 14 and I go to honk the horn and just after that turn on the headlights. It will usually ignore the headlight request and sound the horn. However, as it sounds the horn, the loco will slow ever so slightly. The sound is basic, but if you have a Digitrax Programmer, you can upload custom sounds. The speaker that comes with it is of very low quality and probably will have to be replaced with a small or med oval speaker to fit under the GP15's hood.

 

[log0008]

if i were not to go sound, what would you recommend (sorry i am only new to DCC, and all other locos are dcc installed ones)

 

[bigB]

For non-sound, I like nce decoders. I recommend a d13srj. This has the 9 pin plug that's easy to hook up to dcc ready Athearns.

 

[Jason K]

Where did you get a Athearn Genesis GP15 for that price.I am looking at getting one sooner or later.

Thanks
Jason K

 

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Gomotorbids had it, starting at $60, and i got it for $60, plus shipping to Australia, they have a CR version at $65 now if anyone wants is i can get a link