I have some Athearn RTR engines, and was curious about some decoders. I don’t wanna spend much on them, and I don’t mind using something cheap (for now, money wise). The engines are DCC ready as well. If it just does the lights only, thats fine.
How about this? http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/500-1651.htm
Second question. Is the sound a plug and play?
The main engine is a GP35. It will be my switcher engine. If the sound doesn’t fit, thats fine.
Robby
You shouldn’t have any problem with sound from the decoder you listed. It looks like it controls motor and light functions only.
I tried to post the sound one, but just lights and motor will be just fine by me. So I assume, it just plugs in, and I program it into my system? My system is a Bachmann.
If you have the Bachmann EZ-Command you can program the decoder on the main but I would suggest using a 100 ohm (10 watt) resistor in line between the track and the controller. The Radio Shack #271-135 is recommended.
I strongly suggest a Digitrax DH123 or DH163 or and NCE D13SRJ. Both decoders will give you trouble free service…dont be fooled by the cheap price of the MRC decoder, they are not worth your time.
David B
An NCE D13SRJ from Empire Northern Models is cheaper than that MRC anyway. And far and away a better decoder. Tim is a good reputable dealer and very knowledgable - every bit on par with MB Klein (I’ve purchased from both). The D13SRJ is $12.95 - or if you have a lot of locos that will take that decoder, $11.99 each if you buy a 10 pack. Great decoder, I’ve put them in just about everything.
–Randy
I’ve got a couple of the NCE D13###. They work well for the money. What I really like about them is you can solder SMD resistors to the back of the decoder to step down the lighting voltage. No need for inline resistors when using LEDs or 1.5v bulbs.
If you have an EZ Command, you will only be able to access some sounds and you can’t adjust any of them. (better than nothing)
Thanks for all of the responses. I will look into what was suggested. I got the EZ Command off of eBay for $25. Brand new. So I had to jump on it. It does what I want for now. Once money starts to get better I will look into something other than my EZ Command.
Thanks again guys!!!
Remember that you cannot program with the EZ command. So you cannot unlock any of the features of the decoder.
David B
Ya at some point you’re going to need a way to program the decoders for more than ID number. Yes you can run that way, but a good decoder (I like TCS myself) will give you momentum, light choices (real engines don’t use reversing headlights) and speed controls for speed matching engines that are the real joy of running DCC trains. BTW, not to open up an old subject, but MRC decoders aren’t generally considered very good. I’ve had good luck with the “Sounder” sound only ones but most people who’ve used the regular decoders have had problems with them (at least going by all the posts on the subject). For the same cost or a tiny bit more you can get decoders that will work great and last as long as the engines.
There are programs you can get to add to your PC to allow you to program CVs on decoders. You may be able to get one for a good price, otherwise it may end up being cheaper in the long run to get a better DCC system that allows for more options.
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