DCC Decoders

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H

huntsman

New Member
Hello,
Can anyone recommend either Lenz or TCS DCC decoders?

I recently ventured into the world of DCC by installing some DigiTrash DZ123 decoders (against the strong advice of my local hobby shop owner) because the club has that company's equipment and the cheap price. Well I didn't even get what I paid for, but I did learn a lesson. After watching the club expert on DCC struggle for some time and finally shake his head in frustration over the intermittent and weird things one was doing, I decided I need to get something else if I want to run DCC. Thankfully after seeing another of their stations self destruct in the club's power system, I didn't waste money on their system packages. What I need now is to get information on other companies' decoders and systems, install some decoders and go from there. Any decoder/system recommendations would be appreciated.
 
Well, this is a open can of worms, no matter which forum you go to, or club you visit. You'll get people that swear by certain systems, and some will fight you to the death to defend them, LOL.
Me personally, I have used a Roco starter system with no problems, then a Lenz, and now a MRC prodigy advance2. But, there are no clubs near me to have to use my throttle at, so I'm comfortable with it. It's real easy to use and expandable, with computer link up coming soon. They have wireless control now.
As for decoders, I use Lenz, NCE, and TCS with no problems from any of them. The only problem I ever had from a decoder was when I got a Athearn SD38 rtr unit, and right from the start the engine had problems. The forward drive linkage was not connected. With that fixed, it ran fine for about 2 months, then smoked. I put it in the scrap pile for awhile, and started fooling with it last week. Well, I managed to get the dcc board recovered by replacing a capacitor. Then got the motor back up and running. And surprisingly, the decoder was recoverable, by resetting it. The decoder is a NCE D13SRJ.
I use TCS A6X decoders in my Genesis SD70/m/mac units as they are 6 function, drop in replacements for the athearn boards with built in 1.5v regulators on board. I only have 2 solder points to get ditch light functionality.
I use Lenz LE1000W, now hard to find, for my Athearn blue box conversions. I even put a LE1000W, hardwired to a 8 pin plug, in my Blueline AC6000, and it works great. The blueline units have great motors in them already, and lighting is controlled from the on board decoder, so all it needed was motor control.

But, like I said you'll get plenty of others opinions on decoders and dcc systems. The best thing to do is try some systems at clubs, and LHS's and try them out and make your own decision.
 
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ThoroughBreed is right. Just like arguing over Canon or Nikon cameras.

My club and most of its members use various Digitrax systems with great success. So I can't really help you out with selecting a system.

As for decoders, I use TCS and Digitrax. I've personally had bad experiences with NCE, so I don't use them. I'm not a fan of the MRC sound decoder Athearn likes to use either.

The A6X is a great decoder for Athearn Genesis, as mentioned above. Digitrax makes a great 6 function decoder for Proto 2K with built in resistors for their lights. Digitrax and QSI both have nice sound decoders.
 


Whilst I have the thoughts in my lil head:
I will say this, a dcc decoder is only as good as the motor and drivetrain connected to it, track conditions, and vise versa. You can bring an overspeed motor under control with dcc. But if you have a engine that has problems to begin with, dcc will only emphasize the problems. Dcc is a tricky creature sometimes, and others its a loyal as a dog. Once you learn what decoders you like to use with certain engine/motor types, it will be easier for you. Back emf decoders, which are becoming the norm, help alot of motors control low speed.
Sound decoders, where to begin... As with above, you can install a good, expensive sound decoder, but if you already have problems, they will become more evident, if you can hear them:D
 
I only have a couple of Lenz decoders, not because I have anything against them, but I tend to use NCE, Digitrax, and TCS. If I'm doing sound, it's either Soundtraxx or Loksound.

I think I have only one DZ decoder; it's going into that little 0-6-0 tank engine that Bachmann offers. I usually use the HO scale 163LOs for my P2K locos more than the NCE equivalents because the LOs have built-in resistors and the NCEs do not. The TCS cheapos are great for the new Athearn RTRs with the built-in plug. And, the A6x are good for the Genesis locos.

Kennedy
 
This is one of those threads that can go on forever. :), I use Lenz decoders because they are reasonably priced and reliable. I haven't ventured into the world of sound yet but, from everything I've read, just don't buy an MRC sound decoder. Those are the ones used by Athearn and I've read nothing but complaints about the sound quality.
 
Goodness! Though I have read other preferences, I don't think that I have ever read such a bad report on the Digitrax system (or decoders). Yes, I am a Digitrax system user with an 8 amp Super Chief and have ran it for over 3 years without a problem on my garage size layout and with some large op sessions. I have only used a couple of 123's in the past, but didn't have any problem with them either. Now, all but two of my locos have sound and Soundtrax (Tsunami) is without a doubt the best. The new Y6b with Loksound is almost as good and then followed by QSI. MRC is nothing more than what you pay for it...cheap.;) :)
 
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There's nothing wrong with any of the major player's decoders, Digitrax included. We've used Digitrax, TCS, Soundtraxx, QSI, NCS and MRC decoders with few problems... Our Digitrax stuff (Super Chief, decoders) has been incredible!
 
Yeah, I was kinda surprised about the problems with the decoder as well. You kinda wonder if there was a problem with the install, some wiring somewhere, or an issue with the electrical path to the decoder. Usually, decoders and command stations from the same brand play nice with each other.

I've struggled with Digitrax programming in the past, but that's because I don't think in Hex. I go with regular numbers, which is what the NCE system allows me to do.

Kennedy
 
Kennedy, now you don't have to fool with hex for programming on Digitrax. It's there only as an option. The only thing that could be difficult for some, would be understanding the binary system to come up with that whole number on the more advanced settings for the CV's. Even that can be easy with a binary-to-real number conversion chart.
 


Yeah, I know that Digitrax has come around to the normal numbering way, but when I was looking at what system to buy back in '00, that wasn't an option. And, the DT400 pseudo-dogbone hadn't come out yet. Which is why I went with NCE. Just worked better for the way my brain was(isn't) wired....

:D

Kennedy
 
Kennedy, I thought you probably knew, but wanted to make sure that others didn't think that hex was the only way. I'm with you on user friendly systems. With the already developed electronics, there is no reason for them not to be. I am surprised that Digitrax didn't have the digital-to-hex, hex-to-digital conversion circuits designed into the throttle from the beginning. The IC chips has been around for a very long time...and cheap. ;) :)
 
It's interesting that in some circles, the long-time Digitrax users tend to talk in Hex, while the newer users go with numbers. That does make it kinda confusing, especially to the folks trying to decide.

Kennedy
 
Darn Kennedy, don't you know that you sound more technically advanced, if you talk in HEX.:rolleyes: :D Crap, I worked with binary, octal, and hex for over 40 years. GIVE ME 1,2,3,4... LOL
 
Read and Learn!

That been quite a education alright
Maybe just in time too as I was somewhat looking at MRC DCC as I thought they'd be pretty good but their decoder prices were extremely high IMHO!
So I guess I'll just stick with Digitrax as they seemed to have a very complete
reference section about their decoders written in a fairly consice fasion.

A question or two here; In going with Digitrax is it necessary for me to to purchase and use thir Zepher system transformer? I'm not sure I see the need for the throttle on the power pack?? Wouldn't a good MRC 260 do the same thing as it's just supplying current to the track and I assume in either case it should be smooth current. Well maybe where the Zepher power pack comes into play??
 
Trussrod said:
That been quite a education alright...

A question or two here; In going with Digitrax is it necessary for me to to purchase and use thir Zepher system transformer? I'm not sure I see the need for the throttle on the power pack?? Wouldn't a good MRC 260 do the same thing as it's just supplying current to the track and I assume in either case it should be smooth current. Well maybe where the Zepher power pack comes into play??
Click to expand...

If you're talking about the power supply that drives the Zephyr, it comes with the Zeyphr. The Zephyr is a complete system.
 
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