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So recently we just picked up our first DCC Ready Loco. I'm totally knew when it comes to DCC so my question is, DO you need to find a decoder that is made for a certain loco, or are all DCC Decoders compatible with most trains?
It will work but so will any 8 pin NMRA compliant decoder. Are you in the US or UK? It's a good idea to list that in your profile. If you're in the UK, that's a good price. If you're in the US, NCE or Digitrax will give you a better price.
It will work but so will any 8 pin NMRA compliant decoder. Are you in the US or UK? It's a good idea to list that in your profile. If you're in the UK, that's a good price. If you're in the US, NCE or Digitrax will give you a better price.
American decoders are not suitable for use with the Hornby DCC system as the Hornby DCC system lets out random sudden power spikes that don't seem to affect their own decoders, but may fry american ones.
American decoders are not suitable for use with the Hornby DCC system as the Hornby DCC system lets out random sudden power spikes that don't seem to affect their own decoders, but may fry american ones.
Convenient, eh?
I would suggest using a Hornby decoder then. Since it's got a plug, you can pretty much just pop the top off the loco, plug the decoder in, put the top back on, and ta-da!
Really, though, the manufacturer might require you to do some other things, so I'd check the manual. Useful things, those manuals.
American decoders are not suitable for use with the Hornby DCC system as the Hornby DCC system lets out random sudden power spikes that don't seem to affect their own decoders, but may fry american ones.
It was/is the Hornby Select that was not NMRA compatible and is known to cause problems with their own decoders as well as most others.
The Hornby Elite is OK and NMRA compliant but is cumbersome when operating functions.
Re what decoder. Any NMRA compliant decoder will do the job.
It depends on the space in loco and how many functions required
The TCS decoder that come in various sizes and types is always my favorite non sound chip.
You don't say what DCC system you're using. I prefer to stick with the same make of decoder (D'trax, in my case) as the system I'm using. Even though all (I presume) are NMRA compliant, it never hurts to use the same "family" of decoders as the system that will operate them.
thats something i also have to look into. These trains were our very first DCC ready trains, so i never had DCC. We are just getting to the point of getting into it, so i guess i need to find out what system i want.
There have been many threads here on the advantages and disadvantages of each DCC command system. The best thing to do would be to search those threads and read what's said. A lot of it is personal preference and a religious experience. The main contenders are NCE and Digitrax. Both are good but both also have some annoyances. If you intend to join a club, an important bit of information is what type of system the club runs, scine having a throttle that will run on the club layout is a big advantage.
So recently we just picked up our first DCC Ready Loco. I'm totally knew when it comes to DCC so my question is, DO you need to find a decoder that is made for a certain loco, or are all DCC Decoders compatible with most trains?
Hi Midrange.
Any NMRA certified decoder should do in the Hornby. However there are better decoders than Hornby's own product which tends to be unreliable. I would suggest TCS which have a goof proof warranty,if you mess up & smoke the decoder TCS will give you a free replacement.
As long as you're not using Hornby's DCC system, any decoder will do. If you are using Hornby's DCC system, you will need hornby's decoders. American-made decoders will burn out on Hornby's DCC system.
excellent.. what i needed to know. I'm checking out NCE, Digitrax and Zepher. I understand Tsunami has great sound. I know not to touch MTH trains even though there nice. And i'm not touching MRC.
So, i read some more when doing searches.. I guess i need boosters too? I'm all new at this. I see people saying they buy speakers with a decoder.. do you have to install sound seperate?
The Zephyr is Digitrax's basic system. It's great for a small layout, but if you're going to do a larger layout, you'll need the Super Empire Builder (which may or may not still be in production) or the Super Chief.
For NCE, their systems are great too, but I personally use digitrax.
If you're considering MRC, only the high end system is worth it.
i heard MRC sounds like a dying cat. i want decent sound so thats out the question.
SO how large is your layout if your using digitrax.. you have boosters? I want to run at least up to 6 trains. But i have DC power packs.. I plan to use them for ac current for my scenery.. is that a good idea?
i heard MRC sounds like a dying cat. i want decent sound so thats out the question.
SO how large is your layout if your using digitrax.. you have boosters? I want to run at least up to 6 trains. But i have DC power packs.. I plan to use them for ac current for my scenery.. is that a good idea?
Hi midrange.
Try this site in Aus http://www.dccconcepts.com/
There is lots of very good DCC information. Richard Johnson is very helpful & will answer all your questions regarding DCC & Decoders. He has a great section on DCC which will explain everything to you. Take your time & make logical decisions rather than rush into anything.
i heard MRC sounds like a dying cat. i want decent sound so thats out the question.
SO how large is your layout if your using digitrax.. you have boosters? I want to run at least up to 6 trains. But i have DC power packs.. I plan to use them for ac current for my scenery.. is that a good idea?
When you say 6 trains...do you mean at the same time..?? If so, you will need a booster and divide your layout into power "districts". If the Zephyr works for you, you can use your existing power packs as additional throttles, so instead of having one throttle, you have 3..!! right off the bat. You don't say how big your layout is....
I haven't started my lay out yet. I'm hoping the room will give me enough space to do a 8x8. This is why i'm trying to find what i need before i begin the layout.
Well 6 trains I guess is a bit much for that size. I don't mean all at once though.. i mean 3 going around on a loop while i can play with one or two in the yard kinda thing. It sounds like Zephyr is what i'm kinda looking for by the sounds of it. I will read up on it and check out that DCC Concepts page.
MidRange: I don't recommend that you waste money buying a booster for that size layout or with only six locos running. With new locos using can motors, I doubt if you will ever need more than a 5 amp capability; even that will give room to spare. The Digitrax Super Chief comes as a 5 amp or 8 amp. I have a double garage layout and only use the 8 amp on 1500 feet of track. However, I do divide it into 4 power districts using the Digitrax PM42 that also provides circuit breaker protection for each district.
The main contenders are NCE and Digitrax. Both are good but both also have some annoyances. If you intend to join a club, an important bit of information is what type of system the club runs, scine having a throttle that will run on the club layout is a big advantage.
