Decoder Identification

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Recently purchased a DCC (non-souund) equipped loco, but the seller doesn’t remember what the decoder is. My NCE PowerCab says the mfg is #129.

First, where do I find a list to tell me the mfg?

Second, do all non-sound decoders from the same mfg program the same?

Third, where can I find the directions for programming this decoder?

I’m not very computer savvy, so don’t hesitate to talk to the most basic levels. Even they may be over my head.

Thank you,

Richard

2

129 is Digitrax.

The complete set is here on the NMRA website.

To determine the exact decoder gets complicated, and you have to look at the documentation the manufacturer provides. Sometimes it is easy, other times, not.

3

betamax,

Thank you for the list. Now, since I don’t have the documentation, where do I go from here?

Since it doesn’t have sound and it is set to the road number, sould I just leave well enough alone?

Thanks again,

Richard

4

Try the different resources on this page

https://www.digitrax.com/support/

If none of them get you far enough, come back here with whatever information you were able to get.

5

You would have to look at the documentation on the Digitrax website. They may have a version number in CV7, but, you’ll have to cross reference it to what actual model it is.

Of course, Digitrax won’t tell you too much, but the nice people at JMRI have compiled a list:

DecoderId.html

6

Thank you both for the llinks, looks like I’ve got some research reading to do.

Thanks again,

Richard

7

Other than functions and form factor, it doesn’t much matter, the CVs are pretty consistent across all Digitrax decoders. The difference are the lower end ones don’t have all the lighting effects. You also can just peek inside, Digitrax prints the model number on the shrink wrap. That’s the easy way, once you know that, you can find the instruction sheet and the full decoder manual on the Digitrax web site. They have 2 sections on the product pages, one for current and oen for retired products, so if it’s an older decoder it may be on the retired list.

–Randy

8

Thank you all for the help. The seller found his notes on the installation and sent me the model number. I have printed the manual, now to look it over.

Thanks again,

Richard

9

[Y]