Decoder choices help for diesels plz.

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Ive always used Lenz silver decoders in my earlier U.K based engines but since ive had my U.S stuff (diesels) im not sure their entirely appropropiate. Ive fitted a Lenx gold to a P2K SD50, a silver to another P2K SD50 and silvers in Athearn SD40/45’s.

I also have an Atlas AC40CW with a Lenz silver.

These all run very well but ive noticed that these decoders are prety expensive when compared with the likes of NCE especialy. Also the Lenz decoders require a fair bit of room inside the shell of the long hood because of the harness their attached to.

Ive now got 2 Athearn SD45T-2’s on the way and im wondering whats the most suitable decoders to get for these?

Also a P2K GP38 witch is in the post?

My last question is function outputs which is confusing me. If a unit has only directional lights, is this 1 function output? I keep reading about decoders that have 4 functions, i guess this is for cab lights, mars light, ditch lights and so on yes?

My system is the NCE 5amp

Thanks for any help as always guys.

2

Pretty much any decoder you want to cram in there will work. NCE, Digitrax,& TCS are all fairly cheap too. I’m not too sure about the TCS, but I know that digitrax and NCE have N scale-sized decoders that have a rating that will do fine for an HO loco (IIRC, 1 - 1.3A sustained, 2A peak).

AFAIK one light is one function. so if you wanted a FWD and REV (directional) light, and flashing ditch lights, thats 4 functions right there.

3

I use the “Silent Running” decoder from NCE. They’re only 2 or 3 function but they do what I need them to do, plus their cheap.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/524-100

4

Thanks for the input. Ive just ordered 2 NCE D13SRJ for the Athearn SD45’s and 1 P2K-SR for the P2K GP38. Il see how they go.