I am kind of returning to the hobby. I used to go to train shows with my dad when I was younger. He had this elaborate layout planned that he was never able to build. I have now inherited a fair amount of HO models. Some nicer than others, Some I would like to upgrade to DCC. Like most other things, there are many brands that will do the job. Just some are better than others. I am curious what decoder brands people use and why they use a particular brand. I have put in a couple of Digitrax decoders in some of my DCC ready locos. They seem to work well.
Thanks in advance,
Al
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I used esu because i like the sound and that is what comes in Walthers locomotive from factory .which i have some .
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Al, I’m a Tsunami user whenever possible. I have TCS and ESU decoders in my fleet but I just think the programming is easier with a Tsunami. They have greatly improved their motor control,quality since “the old days”. That said, if I purchased a new locomotive and it had a TCS Wow or a LokSound I would still be pleased.
Regards, Chris
Hello All,
Welcome to the forums.
My HO motive fleet uses several different manufacturers of decoders- -both sound and non-sound.
The decoder manufacturer of choice for me is Digitrax.
Full Disclosure: My DCC system is NCE.
Take a look at these previous posts:
• Adding sound to DCC Locomotive
•Well, that was easy…relatively…
Hope this helps.
I use NCE when adding a decoder because I have an NCE DCC system. I don’t add sound so these work fine. Several of my locomotives from various manufacturers came with decoders - 1 with sound which I usually run with sound off. They all work fine for me.
Paul
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I started using mostly Digitrax (a few years back), but these days I’ve come to like Sountraxx.
I also have used a few ESU 21 pin decoders in locos that had [only] 21-pin sockets.
Also a TCS decoder here and there.
ALL of the decoders I’ve installed are motor-only, NON-sound.
I have used Digitrax, TCS, NCE, SoundTraxx, and ESU decoders. Lately I have been doing conversions to sound decoders and I have used mostly SoundTraxx Tsunami2 and TCS Wow.
The most important thing is I use JMRI DecoderPro to configure them.
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I just installed a Tsunami2 in my proto 2k F2A. For my first hardwire install it turned out pretty well. I like the sound too. I was working on something else and left the track on, the loco started talking (radio chatter if I am not mistaken).
Al
Thanks for the links. I will check them out. My DCC is NCE as well. It is what my club uses.
I think I now have 2 with Digitrax motor-only with light functions. Both had the 9 pin NMRA plug so not too much to mess up. I do have 1 tsunami2, sometimes I like the sound, Sometimes I mute them. I like having the option to have sound.
Al, yup, crewman chatter. I mostly turn that function off. Both Tsunami and ESU offer it, and probably TCS and Digitrax as well. I find it to be kind of a gimmick.
Regards, Chris
Long story short I like Soundtraxx. Tsunami 2 is my preference, but if for some reason I can’t use them (I have a couple of Australian locomotives) then I will install Loksound 5. Save for acceleration and deceleration settings I feel Tsunami 2 is better.
TCS for motor-only installations and TCS & ESU for sound installations. Both have excellent motor-control (for smooth starts & stops) and that is THE most important feature for me - even over sound. Most of my fleet can do 1sMPH or less at speed step 001.
Tom
I try to exclusively use Soundtraxx in my fleet, although I have a Siemens Charger with a factory TCS WOWSound decoder. I would give Tsunami2 a 10/10 for user-friendliness and customizability, a 9/10 for sound quality, and a 9/10 for motor control. TCS gets a 8/10 for user-friendliness (the talking menu is a bit much compared to CV programming), and a 10/10 for sound, and an 8/10 for motor contol. I must say I haven’t heard higher quality sound effects than the WOWSound ones. Otherwise I would say I like Soundtraxx more in the long run for features and useability. Add in that Soundtraxx is manufactured here in the US and you have a good recipe.
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If new I suggest you stick with the decoders made for the DCC troddel you have.
Get your feet wet so to speak then shop around for compatible offers.
Pep
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In terms of installation of aftermarket, non-sound decoders, basically any brand will do for me. I’ve used Digitrax, NCE, ESU’s non-sound, and a non-sound Soundtraxx. All work just fine.
For installing aftermarket sound decoders, I’ve used TCS (for steam), ESU (for diesel), and Soundtraxx (both steam and diesel). After having tried at least one decoder from each of the “big 3” I prefer Soundtraxx for both steam and diesel. I find them easier to program, great motor control (even my older version), and sound great. Some will agree, some will not. A lot of personal preference involved, so it’s great that we have options.
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I’ve used a bunch of different brands over the years, but I’ve settled on TCS for my first choice. Their motor control algorithms are excellent. Their sound is good, and I like the voice assist for setting up the decoders.
Unfortunately they don’t have a steam sound decoder small enough to fit in my smaller steam models, so those will most likely get ESU.
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I agree @Water_Level_Route having a selection is nice. I see that some that have replied to this thread and on other threads that some like certain feature while others don’t. Guess that what’s great about having a selection.
Al
I use mostly SoundTraxx Tsunami2 decoders because they are very easy to program. I haven’t installed TCS since I’m trying to limit my roster to either Tsunamis or ESUs for ease of consisting and standardization.
I do think the sound is better from ESUs in some cases. I recently installed Tsunami2 ALCO decoders in my new Bowser Hammerheads. The prime mover sound is much better from the ESUs in my other Bowser RS-3s. It’s more distinct. Also, the dynamic braking on the Tsunami Alcos sounds just like EMD dynamic braking.
Take care,
Greg
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Really??? 
For me, TCS motor control is on par with ESU, with excellent low-speed response. As mentioned, I can achieve 1sMPH and < @ speed step 001 - oftentimes right out of the box w/no tweaking needed at all.
Tom